Citing movies accessed on Netflix in MLA format requires including specific details to ensure proper attribution and facilitate easy retrieval. The core principle is to credit both the original film and the platform providing access: the Netflix streaming service.
Understanding MLA and Streaming Services
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a widely used format for academic writing, particularly in the humanities. Its emphasis lies on acknowledging sources meticulously, preventing plagiarism, and enabling readers to verify information. The rise of streaming services like Netflix presents a unique challenge to traditional citation methods. We need to adapt to reflect the digital accessibility offered by these platforms while preserving the integrity of the original work.
Core Principles of MLA Citation
Before diving into the specifics of citing Netflix movies, it’s essential to understand the core principles underpinning MLA citation:
- Author: Identify the primary creator(s) of the work. For movies, this often includes the director.
- Title: Accurately represent the title of the work.
- Source: Indicate where the work was accessed. In this case, Netflix.
- Other Contributors: Acknowledge significant contributors like performers, writers, and producers when relevant.
- Publication Information: Provide details such as the year of release and, for Netflix, the specific date you accessed the film if readily available (though not strictly required).
The Basic MLA Format for Netflix Movies
The basic format for citing a movie accessed on Netflix in MLA 9th edition is as follows:
Director’s Last Name, First Name, director. Title of Movie. Production Company, Year of Release. Netflix, URL (if available).
Example:
Scorsese, Martin, director. The Irishman. Tribeca Productions, 2019. Netflix.
Explaining Each Component
- Director’s Last Name, First Name, director: Start with the director’s name, followed by a comma, the first name, and then the role (director). This emphasizes the directorial vision behind the film.
- Title of Movie: Italicize the title of the movie. Use title case, capitalizing the first letter of each main word.
- Production Company, Year of Release: Include the production company and the year the movie was originally released, separated by a comma. This provides historical context and identifies the film’s origins.
- Netflix: Italicize the name of the streaming service. This clearly indicates where you accessed the film.
- URL (if available): While not always required, including the specific URL for the Netflix page of the movie allows for direct access and verification. However, Netflix URLs can be dynamic and may not always work reliably. Therefore, its inclusion is often optional.
Advanced Considerations for Netflix Movie Citations
While the basic format provides a solid foundation, certain situations require more nuanced approaches.
Citing Specific Actors or Roles
If your research focuses on a particular actor or a specific role within the movie, you can adapt the citation:
Director’s Last Name, First Name, director. Title of Movie. Performance by Actor’s First Name Last Name, Production Company, Year of Release. Netflix, URL (if available).
Example:
Scorsese, Martin, director. The Irishman. Performance by Robert De Niro, Tribeca Productions, 2019. Netflix.
Citing a Specific Scene
Citing a specific scene in a movie on Netflix is more complex, as time stamps are not readily accessible within the platform’s citation practices. Instead, focus on providing detailed descriptions of the scene within your writing to allow readers to identify it. Direct quotations from a scene should be followed by a general identification of the film and the platform.
Example (in-text):
As Frank Sheeran struggles with his past actions, he somberly confesses, “I heard you paint houses” (Scorsese, The Irishman, Netflix).
When the Director is Unknown
If the director is unknown, use the title of the movie in place of the director’s name:
Title of Movie. Production Company, Year of Release. Netflix, URL (if available).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Citing Netflix Movies in MLA
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding citing Netflix movies in MLA format, along with their answers:
1. Do I need to include the date I watched the movie on Netflix?
Generally, no. MLA 9th edition does not require the access date for streaming services unless the content is likely to change significantly. Movies typically remain relatively consistent, so the access date is usually unnecessary.
2. What if the Netflix URL is very long and complex?
You can often shorten the Netflix URL using a URL shortening service like Bitly or TinyURL. However, remember that shortened URLs can sometimes break, so include the full URL if possible. As stated before, the URL is optional.
3. Should I use the original release year or the year the movie was added to Netflix?
Always use the original release year of the movie. This provides the correct historical context.
4. What if the movie has multiple directors?
If the movie has two directors, list both, separated by “and.” If there are three or more directors, list only the first director followed by “et al.”
Example:
Farrelly, Peter, and Bobby Farrelly, directors. Dumb and Dumber. New Line Cinema, 1994. Netflix.
5. How do I cite a TV show episode on Netflix using MLA?
The format is similar to a movie, but with the episode title included:
“Episode Title.” Series Title, directed by Director’s Name, season #, episode #. Production Company, Year. Netflix, URL (if available).
Example:
“The Stranger.” Stranger Things, directed by Shawn Levy, season 1, episode 1. 21 Laps Entertainment, 2016. Netflix.
6. What if the movie is a Netflix Original? Does the citation change?
No, the citation format remains the same. The key is to identify Netflix as the platform where you accessed the movie.
7. How do I cite a documentary film on Netflix in MLA?
The citation for a documentary film follows the same format as a feature film:
Director’s Last Name, First Name, director. Title of Documentary. Production Company, Year of Release. Netflix, URL (if available).
8. Can I cite a movie I watched on Netflix in a foreign language?
Yes, cite the movie as usual, but if you’re quoting from the movie, translate the quotation into English in your text and indicate that it is your translation.
9. Where do I find the production company information?
The production company is typically listed in the movie’s credits, often at the beginning or end of the film. You can also find this information on websites like IMDb (Internet Movie Database).
10. What if the director is not credited on Netflix?
In rare cases where the director is not explicitly credited, you can omit the director from the citation and begin with the title of the movie. However, make every effort to find the director’s name first.
11. How should I format the citation in my Works Cited page?
The Works Cited page should be alphabetized by the first element of the citation, which is usually the director’s last name or the title of the movie if the director is unavailable. Use a hanging indent for each entry.
12. How do I handle in-text citations for Netflix movies?
In-text citations should include the director’s last name and the title of the movie (or a shortened version if the title is long). For example: (Scorsese, Irishman).
By following these guidelines and addressing these frequently asked questions, you can confidently and accurately cite Netflix movies in your academic work, adhering to the rigorous standards of MLA style. Consistent and accurate citation is critical to credible scholarship and demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity. Remember to consult the official MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date information and guidance.