Citing movies correctly in Chicago style is crucial for academic integrity and credibility. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, detailing the nuances of creating accurate and consistent citations for film sources, ensuring your research is both thorough and professionally presented.
Understanding the Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) offers two main citation formats: notes and bibliography (NB) and author-date. While the author-date system is generally used in the sciences and social sciences, the notes and bibliography system is more common in the humanities, including film studies. This guide will focus primarily on the notes and bibliography system.
However, because citing film often involves elements beyond just the director or actors, such as studios, years of release, and specific formats, careful attention to detail is essential. The goal is to provide readers with sufficient information to locate the cited movie.
The Core Components of a Chicago-Style Movie Citation
Regardless of whether you’re creating a footnote/endnote or a bibliographic entry, several key elements are required when citing a movie in Chicago style:
- Title of the Movie: Always italicized and capitalized according to title case rules.
- Director: Usually listed first, especially if the focus is on the director’s vision. Use “Directed by” before the director’s name.
- Year of Release: Essential for identifying the specific version of the film.
- Medium: Specify the format you viewed, such as DVD, Blu-ray, streaming video, or film.
- Distribution Information: Include the distributor and place of distribution if available, particularly for less mainstream films.
Notes and Bibliography Format
The notes and bibliography system uses numbered footnotes or endnotes within the text and a comprehensive bibliography at the end of the work.
Footnote/Endnote Format
A footnote or endnote for a movie should follow this general structure:
Number. Title of Movie, directed by Director’s Name (Year of Release; Medium).
Example:
- Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles (1941; DVD).
Bibliography Entry Format
The bibliography entry provides more complete information and is formatted slightly differently:
Title of Movie. Directed by Director’s Name. Year of Release; Medium. Place of Distribution: Distributor, Year.
Example:
Citizen Kane. Directed by Orson Welles. 1941; DVD. Burbank, CA: Warner Home Video, 2004.
Author-Date Format (Less Common for Film)
While less common, the author-date system requires a slightly different approach.
In-Text Citation Format
(Director Last Name Year of Release)
Example:
(Welles 1941)
Reference List Entry Format
Director Last Name, First Name. Year of Release. Title of Movie. Place of Distribution: Distributor.
Example:
Welles, Orson. 1941. Citizen Kane. Burbank, CA: Warner Home Video.
Specific Scenarios and Considerations
Citing movies can become more complex depending on the specific circumstances. Here are some additional considerations:
- Multiple Directors: If a movie has multiple directors, list them all, separated by “and.”
- Unattributed Information: If some information is missing (e.g., director or distributor), use “n.d.” (no date) or “n.p.” (no place) as appropriate.
- Streaming Services: When citing from a streaming service, include the service’s name and the URL. For example, “(Streaming video, Netflix, https://www.netflix.com/title/…).”
- Screenplays: If citing a published screenplay, treat it as a book, focusing on the screenwriter as the author.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of citing movies in Chicago style:
FAQ 1: How do I cite a movie if the director is unknown?
If the director is unknown, omit the director’s name and start with the title. Example: The Unknown, 1927; DVD.
FAQ 2: What if the movie was released under different titles in different countries?
Use the original title or the title most commonly known in your target audience’s region. You can mention the alternative title in parentheses after the main title if necessary. For instance: Battleship Potemkin (Bronenosets Potyomkin), directed by Sergei Eisenstein (1925; DVD).
FAQ 3: How should I cite a movie I watched on a streaming service like Netflix?
Include “Streaming video,” followed by the service name (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video), and then the full URL. Example: Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón (2018; Streaming video, Netflix, https://www.netflix.com/title/80241121).
FAQ 4: What if the movie is a documentary?
Cite it the same way you would cite a fictional film, emphasizing the director. However, if you are focusing on a particular person interviewed in the documentary, you might also mention them in your note.
FAQ 5: How do I cite a specific scene from a movie?
Chicago style generally avoids citing specific scenes. However, if absolutely necessary, you can include the timestamp in your note. Example: The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola (1972; DVD), 0:30:00. This refers to 30 minutes into the film.
FAQ 6: What if the movie is part of a series (e.g., a James Bond film)?
Include the series title after the individual film title, separated by a comma. Example: Goldfinger, James Bond Series, directed by Guy Hamilton (1964; DVD).
FAQ 7: How do I cite a movie commentary track?
Cite the movie as usual and then add the commentary track information. Example: Casablanca, directed by Michael Curtiz (1942; DVD). Commentary by Roger Ebert.
FAQ 8: What if the movie is in a language other than English?
Cite the original title in the bibliography. In your note, you can include an English translation in square brackets after the original title. Example: Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari [The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari], directed by Robert Wiene (1920; DVD).
FAQ 9: How do I cite a movie remake?
Cite the remake normally. If discussing both the original and the remake, cite both separately. You can also include a parenthetical note indicating it’s a remake of a specific film.
FAQ 10: How should I cite an animated movie?
Treat it the same as any other movie, prioritizing the director(s). Also, be mindful of clarifying the format (e.g., DVD, Blu-ray, Streaming).
FAQ 11: What if the movie is a student film or an independent film with limited distribution information?
Include as much information as possible. If distributor or place of distribution is unavailable, use “n.p.” for no place. Be sure to include “Film” as the medium.
FAQ 12: Is there a difference in citing a movie in the 16th edition versus the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style?
While the core principles remain the same, it’s always best to consult the most recent edition of the Chicago Manual of Style for the most up-to-date guidance. Check for minor updates to formatting or preferred wording. While the differences are usually subtle, adhering to the latest edition demonstrates attention to detail.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of citing movies in Chicago style ensures the integrity and credibility of your scholarly work. By following the guidelines and addressing the specific scenarios outlined above, you can confidently present your research in a clear, consistent, and professional manner. Remember to always consult the latest edition of the Chicago Manual of Style for any updates or clarifications. Proper citation acknowledges the creative work of filmmakers and provides your readers with the necessary information to explore these cinematic masterpieces for themselves.