In MLA (Modern Language Association) style, movie titles are cited like any other self-contained work: italicized. This encompasses the title in your text, in a parenthetical citation (if required), and in the Works Cited list.
Understanding MLA Style for Film Citations
Citing sources correctly is crucial for academic integrity. In the context of film studies, or when referencing movies in your research, following the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guide ensures clarity, consistency, and proper attribution. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of how to accurately cite movie titles within your writing.
Italicization is Key
The core principle of citing movie titles in MLA is italicization. Since movies are considered complete, stand-alone works, their titles receive this treatment. This applies wherever the title appears:
- In the main body of your text: For example, “Spielberg’s Jaws remains a cinematic masterpiece.”
- In parenthetical citations: For example, “(Spielberg).” Note that only the director is included in a parenthetical citation for film, assuming your Works Cited entry begins with the director’s name.
- In your Works Cited list: As demonstrated in the examples below.
Building Your Works Cited Entry
A complete Works Cited entry for a movie needs to include specific information. Here’s the basic format and an example:
Format:
Director’s Last Name, First Name, director. Title of the Film. Distributor, Year of Release.
Example:
Spielberg, Steven, director. Jaws. Universal Pictures, 1975.
Let’s break down each component:
- Director’s Name: Start with the director’s last name, followed by a comma, and then their first name, followed by the role, “director.”
- Title of the Film: Include the full, official title of the movie. Ensure accurate spelling and punctuation. Italicize the entire title.
- Distributor: The film’s production or distribution company (e.g., Universal Pictures, Warner Bros.).
- Year of Release: The year the film was originally released in theaters.
Advanced Works Cited Entry Elements
While the basic format covers most cases, more complex situations might necessitate adding more details:
- Additional Contributors: If your analysis focuses on a particular actor, writer, or composer, you can include their names in the entry. For example: “Welles, Orson, director and actor. Citizen Kane. RKO Radio Pictures, 1941.”
- Specific Versions or Editions: If you’re citing a particular version of the film (e.g., a director’s cut, a DVD release), include this information after the title. For example: Blade Runner: The Final Cut. Warner Bros., 2007.
- Streaming Services: When viewing a film on a streaming platform, add the platform after the distributor. For example: Spielberg, Steven, director. Jaws. Universal Pictures, Netflix, 1975.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Citing Movie Titles in MLA
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of citing movie titles in MLA style:
FAQ 1: What if the movie title includes a colon?
Include the colon and any subsequent subtitle. For example: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
FAQ 2: How do I cite a film I watched on a streaming service?
Include the name of the streaming service after the distributor in the Works Cited entry. For example: “Scott, Ridley, director. Alien. 20th Century Fox, Hulu, 1979.”
FAQ 3: What if the movie has multiple directors?
List all directors, separated by “and”. For instance: “Coen, Joel, and Ethan Coen, directors. Fargo. Gramercy Pictures, 1996.”
FAQ 4: How do I cite a foreign film with an English title translation?
Use the original title followed by the English translation in brackets. Italicize the original title only. For example: La Dolce Vita [The Sweet Life].
FAQ 5: How do I handle a movie title within a movie title?
The inner movie title is treated differently. If the outer title is italicized, the inner title should be in quotation marks. Example: My favorite scene in Singin’ in the Rain is when they sing “Good Morning”.
FAQ 6: What if the movie title is extremely long?
Include the entire title as it appears on the film. There’s no official abbreviation for exceptionally long titles in MLA. Accuracy is paramount.
FAQ 7: Do I need to include the country of origin for the film?
Generally, no. The country of origin is not typically included in an MLA citation for a film.
FAQ 8: How do I cite a specific scene or segment of a movie?
You can’t directly cite a specific scene in your Works Cited list. Instead, cite the entire film, and refer to the specific scene in your in-text citation using descriptive language. For example: “(Spielberg; the shark attack scene).”
FAQ 9: What if I am citing a documentary film?
The rules are the same as for fictional films. Italicize the title, and include the director, distributor, and year.
FAQ 10: How do I cite an adaptation of a book?
Cite the movie as you would normally. In your analysis, you can discuss it as an adaptation, but the citation focuses on the film itself.
FAQ 11: What if the director is unknown?
If the director is truly unknown, use “Anonymous, director” in the Works Cited entry. However, thorough research should usually reveal the director’s name.
FAQ 12: What if I am referencing a Blu-ray or DVD release of a movie?
Include the medium (Blu-ray or DVD) after the distributor and year. For example: “Fincher, David, director. Fight Club. 20th Century Fox, DVD, 1999.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underlining instead of italicizing: MLA requires italicization, not underlining.
- Forgetting the director: Always include the director in the Works Cited entry.
- Incorrect punctuation: Pay close attention to commas and periods in the citation format.
- Omitting the distributor or release year: These elements are essential for a complete citation.
- Mixing up MLA with other citation styles: Be consistent with MLA throughout your entire paper.
Conclusion
Mastering MLA citation for movie titles elevates the quality and credibility of your academic work. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this article, and particularly remembering the importance of italicizing movie titles, you can ensure accuracy, clarity, and respect for the creators of these impactful works. Always consult the official MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date rules and guidelines, and apply these principles consistently throughout your research. Correct citation practices reflect a commitment to academic honesty and responsible scholarship.