Referencing a film in a bibliography according to the Modern Humanities Research Association (MHRA) style guide requires meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accurate attribution and facilitating easy retrieval of the cited work. The core elements of a film citation include the film’s title, director, distributor, date of release, and, optionally, the medium if not immediately obvious.
Understanding MHRA Film Citations: Core Principles
The MHRA style emphasizes clarity and consistency. When referencing a film, the aim is to provide enough information for a reader to locate the film easily, regardless of the format they access it in. This differs from citation styles more commonly used in scientific disciplines. The key is to represent the film’s creation and distribution accurately, acknowledging the contributions of its creators.
The Essential Elements of a Film Citation
An MHRA film citation primarily focuses on crediting the artistic vision (director) and the distribution details that enable access to the film. Unlike citing a book, where the author is paramount, film citations place the director in a position of authority, reflecting the director’s creative role in shaping the film. A basic film citation in MHRA style takes the following form:
Director’s Surname, First Name, dir., Film Title (Distributor, Year of Release).
Let’s break down each component:
- Director’s Surname, First Name, dir.: Start with the director’s name in the format of Surname, First Name, followed by a comma and the abbreviation “dir.” to indicate their role as director. If multiple directors are involved, use “dirs.” and list them in the order they are credited.
- Film Title: The film’s title should be italicized. Ensure the title is presented exactly as it appears on the film itself or in official promotional material.
- (Distributor, Year of Release): Enclose the distributor’s name and the year of release in parentheses, separated by a comma. The distributor refers to the company responsible for releasing the film, and the year should reflect the film’s initial theatrical release.
Example:
Spielberg, Steven, dir., Raiders of the Lost Ark (Paramount Pictures, 1981).
Mastering Complex Film Citations
While the basic format covers most scenarios, variations arise when dealing with specific situations such as DVD releases, online streaming platforms, or films with multiple directors. Adapting the core format to these situations requires careful consideration.
Referencing DVD or Blu-ray Releases
When citing a specific DVD or Blu-ray release, include the format and release information after the original film information. This helps readers identify the precise version you consulted.
Director’s Surname, First Name, dir., Film Title (Distributor, Year of Release), DVD (Distributor of DVD, Year of DVD Release).
Example:
Spielberg, Steven, dir., Raiders of the Lost Ark (Paramount Pictures, 1981), DVD (Paramount Home Entertainment, 2003).
Citing Films Accessed via Streaming Platforms
For films accessed online via streaming services, include the platform and the URL in addition to the standard information. Also, add the date you accessed the film.
Director’s Surname, First Name, dir., Film Title (Distributor, Year of Release). Streaming platform, URL (Accessed date).
Example:
Spielberg, Steven, dir., Raiders of the Lost Ark (Paramount Pictures, 1981). Netflix, www.netflix.com (Accessed 15 March 2024).
Handling Multiple Directors
When a film has multiple directors, list them in the order they are credited on the film, separating their names with commas.
Director1’s Surname, First Name, and Director2’s Surname, First Name, dirs., Film Title (Distributor, Year of Release).
Example:
Wright, Edgar, and Lord, Phil, dirs., Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Columbia Pictures, 2018).
FAQs: Addressing Common Film Citation Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions designed to further clarify the process of referencing films according to MHRA guidelines:
FAQ 1: What if the director is unknown?
If the director is unknown, you can omit the director information entirely and begin the citation with the film’s title. However, it is best to try and find this information as it is a core part of the citation.
FAQ 2: How do I cite a documentary film?
The citation format for documentaries is the same as for feature films. The director, title, distributor, and year of release are the essential elements.
FAQ 3: What if the distributor is unknown?
If the distributor is unknown, you can use “n.p.” (no publisher) in place of the distributor’s name. Again, try to find the distributor first if possible.
FAQ 4: How do I cite a short film?
Short films are cited using the same format as feature-length films. Include the director, title, distributor (if applicable), and year of release.
FAQ 5: Can I include the country of origin?
While not strictly required, including the country of origin can be helpful, especially for less well-known films. You can add it after the distributor and year of release. For example: (Distributor, Year of Release, Country).
FAQ 6: What about citing specific scenes or timestamps within a film?
MHRA generally discourages citing specific scenes or timestamps in the bibliography. However, if crucial to your argument, it is better to handle this in the footnote or endnote, where you can provide more contextual information.
FAQ 7: How do I handle a film with a foreign-language title?
Use the original language title, italicized. If your readers may not be familiar with the language, you can provide a translated title in square brackets immediately after the original title.
FAQ 8: Do I need to include the running time of the film?
No, the running time is generally not included in an MHRA film citation.
FAQ 9: Should I use a comma after the distributor’s name?
Yes, a comma should separate the distributor’s name and the year of release within the parentheses.
FAQ 10: What if the year of release is uncertain?
If the year of release is uncertain, use “n.d.” (no date) in place of the year. Again, try to ascertain the year first.
FAQ 11: Is it acceptable to cite a film review instead of the film itself?
If your argument hinges on the review’s interpretation rather than the film itself, then cite the review. However, if you are analyzing the film’s content or techniques, cite the film directly.
FAQ 12: How do I cite a collection of films, such as a DVD box set?
Cite the collection title, followed by “DVD box set” or “Blu-ray collection,” then list the individual films contained within the collection in your discussion as needed. For the citation, it is important to cite the collection, not just the individual film.
e.g. Criterion Collection: Spine Number # (Criterion Collection, Year of Release), DVD box set.
By adhering to these guidelines and understanding the nuances of MHRA style, you can ensure your film citations are accurate, consistent, and contribute to the credibility of your research. Remember, clarity and precision are key.