What's My Name: Muhammad Ali

What's My Name: Muhammad Ali is a compelling 2019 HBO documentary film that traces the life and lustrous career of the global boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

Drawing from a wealth of archival footage and photographs, alongside audio records and stunning animations, the filmmakers masterfully craft the story of Ali from various angles. Exceptionally, the documentary is entirely narrated by Ali himself, which provides a rich insight into the man behind the gloves and the charisma, offering a fascinating look at how he perceived and presented himself to the world.

The film introduces viewers to the legend's early life and beginnings in Louisville, where he started his career as a young Olympic hopeful named Cassius Clay, before evolving into the cultural icon, known globally as Muhammad Ali. What's My Name: Muhammad Ali shows Ali's transition from a talented amateur to a worldwide phenomenon. It maps out his journey to becoming a heavyweight champion and arguably the greatest boxer of all times.

One of the most engrossing aspects of the film is the depiction of Ali's conversion to Islam and his involvement with the civil rights movement. It frankly portrays Ali's struggle as a black man in America, his political activism, and his relationship with figures like Malcolm X, which significantly influenced his life. The documentary gives considerable space for showing how Ali's religious awakening and commitment to social justice issues played a role in shaping his career and public image.

Renowned figures such as Jim Brown, Bill Cosby, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar take up cameo roles in the documentary, and through their personal anecdotes and perceptions, lends greater depth to Ali's personality. Their appearances provide a unique and insightful reflection on Ali's influence in the world of sport, civil rights, and popular culture, making What's My Name: Muhammad Ali a vivid portrait of a multifaceted personality.

What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali, does not shy away from certain aspects of his life as well. The film dedicates time to exploring his three marriages, his relationships with his children, his battle with Parkinson's, and his eventual passing.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, acclaimed for his work on Training Day and Southpaw, the film features tasteful and intelligent direction. The filmmakers take a non-linear, episodic approach to cover Ali's life, which allows the documentary to focus on separate yet connected aspects of his extraordinary career. Crystal clear imagery, meticulous editing, and an inspiring score contribute to the high production values of this documentary, crafting a compelling cinematic experience.

The documentary stands out for its authenticity. Unlike many biographies, the storytelling is driven by Ali's voice, literally and metaphorically. This narrative tool eliminates the need for a conventional voice-over, bringing Ali's outlook and perspective into direct focus. This provides a profound, emotional touch as viewers hear the legend describe his experiences, victories, and challenges in his own words. There's a rawness and magnetism that lends a peek into a perhaps unseen side of this larger-than-life character.

What's My Name: Muhammad Ali is much more than a sports documentary; it is an exploration of the journey of a complex individual who lived an extraordinary life. It charts the rise of a boxing prodigy to a social activist to a global icon, painting a dynamic and intimate portrait of a man who left an indelible mark on the world.

While the film does justice to Ali's spectacular boxing career, it also foregrounds his role as a defiant, charismatic, and articulate voice against racial injustice in America. It captures the essence of the man behind the showmanship and jabs, beneath the swagger and the rhymes.

A riveting watch for boxing aficionados, sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone with an interest in dynamic, engaging narratives, What's My Name: Muhammad Ali is a testament to the man who floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee. The film encapsulates the spirit of the man who, in his own words, was “the greatest”, not only inside the ring but also in his resolute fight for change outside of it.

In conclusion, through its honest and powerful storytelling, What's My Name: Muhammad Ali reminds the world why Ali continues to be an inspiring figure, remembered for his extraordinary life and the legacy he left behind. A tribute as eloquent as the man himself, this film redefines the art of documentary filmmaking.