Men of the Cloth

Men of the Cloth is an intimate, award-winning documentary from filmmaker Vicki Vasilopoulos that unfolds with the distinctive rhythm and skill of the master tailors it profiles. The film, which was released in 2013, broadly falls within the documentary genre but it is also a vigorous narrative about a dying craft. Profiling the lives of Nino Corvato, Joe Centofanti, and Checchino Fonticoli, three master tailors, each with their tale to tell, Men of the Cloth paints a vivid canvas about an artistry perpetuating for centuries and its struggle to stay alive in the new age.

The movie opens by giving us a glimpse into the nuanced world of master tailors, introducing us to Nino Corvato, a meticulous bespoke tailor operating from his self-owned New York City studio. Born in Sicily and with years spent under the tutelage of a demanding master, Corvato emigrated to America and has been hand making men's suits for his elite clientele that is privy to his precision and passion. His expertise plays out like a symphony, showing the deep understanding and skill that has been passed down from many generations of Sicilian tailors.

Next, we meet Joe Centofanti, a charismatic and dedicated tailor who is a testament to old-school gentlemen’s tailoring. Born to Italian immigrants, Joe was raised in norristown, Pennsylvania under the care of his grandmother who set him on the tailoring path at an early age. The film offers intimate glimpses of Centofanti’s workmanship, honed over six decades, reflecting his clear service to his crafts and his community. But as Centofanti takes us through his impressive journey and his effort to pass on his expertise, we're left grappling with the reality of the dwindling interest and awareness of this craft amongst modern generations.

Finally, we are whisked away to the quaint Italian town of Penne where the audience is introduced to Checchino Fonticoli, a craftsman employed by Brioni, a leading fashion house specializing in men’s luxury wear. We watch as Fonticoli conjures magic, laboring over exclusive handcrafted suits for the world's leading men. Despite his high-end clientele, Fonticoli maintains a humble devotion to his craft, embodying the spirit of tailoring and instilling a sense of respect for the artform.

A distinct element of the movie is Joe Genuardi, one of the few young tailors committed to keeping the craft alive. As Genuardi prepares for his entrance into the tailoring world, tension builds, and we can feel the weight of the legacy he is about to inherit.

Men of the Cloth is a poignant portrait of these artisans and their commitment to preserving an age-old craft. With their stories interweaving, the narratives blend minimal dialogues with the tailors' actions going on in the background. It serves as a candid depiction of their modest lives, passion for their craft, and the evolution of tailoring over time. By juxtaposing the tales of loyalty to the craft with the modern era’s indifference, the film underscores the looming threat to this painstakingly intricate vocation.

Delving into their personal lives, Men of the Cloth exposes the devotion of these men to their craft and offers a stark contrast to the fast-fashion culture that dominates today’s apparel industry. Besides it also presents the state of the familiar struggle of old vs. new, tradition vs. progress, and the fading memories of the luxury of the past.

As the movie traces the thread of their lives, it emphasizes that tailoring is not simply about making clothes, rather it's a form of self-expression, identity, and heritage passed from one generation to another. The intricate scenes of the tailors at work give viewers a deep respect for the refinement and talent these artisans possess.

On a broader spectrum, Men of the Cloth is not only about the art of tailoring, it's about what it means to dedicate one's life to a craft and the universal themes of aging, legacy, and the urgency to preserve skilled labor in an increasingly mechanized world.

The film's cinematography is beautifully done, capturing the immaculate precision of the tailors' work, the heart of their studios, and the splendor of finished garments. The score is compelling and aptly mirrors the sentimentality and depth of the craftsman's journey.

Men of the Cloth is a film that stitches together the lives, emotions, and dreams of these individuals, ultimately presenting us with a fabric that binds them all: their indelible love for the world of tailoring. This movie is a must-watch for those who appreciate the intersection of culture, artistry, and heritage, and anyone intrigued by the fascinating art of custom tailoring.