The key to correctly citing a movie in Chicago style, using footnotes, lies in providing sufficient information for the reader to locate the specific version of the film you consulted. This includes details like the title, director, year of release, and medium (e.g., DVD, streaming platform), formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style’s nuanced guidelines. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the intricacies of Chicago style movie citations, complete with frequently asked questions to address common points of confusion.
Understanding the Chicago Style Footnote
The Chicago Manual of Style offers specific guidelines for citing various sources, including films. While the 17th edition provides flexibility, adherence to the core principles ensures clarity and accuracy. The goal is to enable readers to easily find the movie you referenced, whether it’s a classic film viewed on DVD or a recent release streamed online.
Basic Footnote Format
The basic format for citing a movie in a Chicago style footnote is as follows:
*Director’s Last Name, First Name, dir. *Title of Movie. Year of Release. Medium (e.g., DVD, Streaming Service). Additional identifying information (e.g., distributor, version).
Example:
- Spielberg, Steven, dir. Raiders of the Lost Ark. 1981. DVD. Paramount Pictures.
This basic format is adaptable to include more specific information as needed.
Elements of a Movie Citation
Each element within the citation plays a vital role in identifying the specific version of the movie:
- Director: Always include the director’s name. If multiple directors are involved, list them in the order they appear in the film’s credits, separated by “and”.
- Title: The movie’s full title should be italicized. Use the title as it appears on the film itself, not necessarily as it’s listed on a streaming service.
- Year of Release: This is the year the film was originally released in theaters.
- Medium: Specify the format you consulted (e.g., DVD, Blu-ray, streaming service like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc.). This is crucial as versions can differ.
- Distributor: Including the production or distribution company can be helpful, especially for lesser-known films.
- Additional Information: You may include information about the specific version (e.g., “Collector’s Edition,” “Director’s Cut”) if it’s relevant to your argument.
Examples of Movie Citations in Footnotes
Here are a few examples demonstrating different scenarios:
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Standard DVD Citation:
- Scorsese, Martin, dir. Goodfellas. 1990. DVD. Warner Bros.
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Streaming Service Citation:
- Coen, Joel, and Ethan Coen, dirs. The Big Lebowski. 1998. Streaming video. Amazon Prime Video.
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Blu-ray Citation with Additional Information:
- Kubrick, Stanley, dir. 2001: A Space Odyssey. 1968. Blu-ray, 50th Anniversary Edition. Warner Bros.
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Citing a Specific Scene:
- Tarantino, Quentin, dir. Pulp Fiction. 1994. DVD. Miramax Films. Scene at Jack Rabbit Slim’s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify Chicago style movie citations:
FAQ 1: What if the movie has multiple directors?
If a movie has multiple directors, list them in the order they appear in the film’s credits, separated by “and.” For example: “Coen, Joel, and Ethan Coen, dirs.”
FAQ 2: How do I cite a movie I watched online?
When citing a movie viewed online, specify the streaming service. For instance: “Streaming video. Netflix.”
FAQ 3: Should I include the running time of the movie?
Including the running time is generally optional. However, it can be helpful, especially for lesser-known films or versions.
FAQ 4: What if I’m citing a specific scene in a movie?
After the basic citation, add a sentence describing the scene. For instance: “Scene featuring the character’s first meeting.”
FAQ 5: Do I need to include the screenwriter’s name?
While you can include the screenwriter’s name, it’s not required in a standard Chicago style movie citation. The director is the primary credited creator.
FAQ 6: How do I cite a documentary film?
The same principles apply to documentaries. The citation should include the director, title, year, medium, and distributor, if applicable.
FAQ 7: What if I only know the director’s last name?
Try to find the director’s full name if possible. Consult reputable sources like IMDb or the film’s official website. If you genuinely cannot find the first name, you can use just the last name, but it’s best to avoid this.
FAQ 8: Is it necessary to include the production company?
Including the production company isn’t always necessary, but it can be helpful for less widely distributed films. The distributor is usually sufficient.
FAQ 9: How does the citation differ in the bibliography?
In the bibliography, the format is slightly different. The director’s name is reversed (Last Name, First Name), and the citation ends with a period.
*Example: Spielberg, Steven, dir. *Raiders of the Lost Ark*. 1981. DVD. Paramount Pictures.*
FAQ 10: Do I italicize the titles of TV shows or just movies?
In Chicago style, both movie titles and the titles of entire TV series are italicized. Individual episode titles are placed in quotation marks.
FAQ 11: How do I cite a movie if there is no director listed (e.g., in some older films)?
This is rare, but if a director is genuinely unknown or uncredited, you can omit that element. However, double-check reputable sources before doing so. It might be more appropriate to cite the studio as the responsible party.
FAQ 12: What if I’m citing a foreign film? Do I need to translate the title?
Use the original title of the film. You can include a translation of the title in parentheses after the original title if it is likely unfamiliar to your audience, but this is optional.
Mastering the Art of Movie Citations
Citing movies correctly in Chicago style might seem daunting initially, but by understanding the core principles and utilizing the guidelines provided, you can confidently navigate the process. Remember to prioritize clarity, accuracy, and completeness to ensure your readers can easily locate and verify your sources. By paying attention to detail and consulting reliable resources, you can elevate the scholarly rigor of your work and properly acknowledge the cinematic masterpieces that inspire it.