In MLA (Modern Language Association) style, movie titles are italicized, just like book titles. This simple rule provides clarity and consistency when discussing cinematic works within academic writing. This article provides a comprehensive guide to citing movie titles according to MLA guidelines, covering everything from basic formatting to handling unusual cases, and answering frequently asked questions to ensure your citations are always accurate and professional.
The Foundation: Italicization Rules
The core principle for citing movie titles in MLA format is italicization. This applies regardless of whether the title appears in the main body of your essay, in a footnote, or in your Works Cited entry. However, remember that elements within a movie title that are already italicized, such as titles of other works, remain italicized.
Proper Use of Italics
When writing about a movie in the main text of your essay, always italicize the entire title. For example:
- Casablanca is considered a classic film.
- The themes in The Shawshank Redemption resonate with many viewers.
Nested Italics: A Clarification
Sometimes, a movie title might include the title of another work, such as a book or another movie. In such instances, the inner title remains italicized. For example, if you were writing about a film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, you would still italicize Hamlet.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Scenarios
While italicizing the title seems straightforward, there are several nuances to consider for specific situations.
Articles: To Include or Not to Include?
Always include “a,” “an,” and “the” at the beginning of a movie title if they are part of the official title. For example, write The Godfather, not Godfather.
Foreign Film Titles
If you are referring to a foreign film, use the original language title if known and easily accessible to your audience. Italicize the title as you would any other movie title. If providing a translated title, include it in parentheses after the original. For example: La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life).
Films within Films
When discussing a movie that features another movie within it, italicize both titles. The context should clearly indicate which is the primary movie being discussed.
Citing in the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page requires a more detailed entry for each film.
Core Elements of a Works Cited Entry
A typical MLA Works Cited entry for a movie includes the following elements, in this order:
- Title of the Movie. Italicized.
- Director. Directed by [Director’s Name].
- Distributor. [Production Company or Distributor], Year of Release.
For example:
- Citizen Kane. Directed by Orson Welles, RKO Radio Pictures, 1941.
Additional Information
Depending on your focus, you might include additional information, such as:
- Performers: Include key actors if their performances are particularly relevant to your analysis.
- Streaming Service: If accessed via a streaming service, include the service after the distributor. For example: Roma. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Netflix, 2018.
Practical Examples
Let’s solidify your understanding with a few more examples:
- Correct: The director’s vision in Pulp Fiction is undeniable.
- Correct (Works Cited): Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Directed by Michel Gondry, Focus Features, 2004.
- Incorrect: Pulp Fiction is a landmark film. (Missing italics)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs address common queries regarding movie title citation in MLA style.
FAQ 1: What if I’m discussing a documentary?
Treat documentaries the same way you would treat any other film. Italicize the title whether it’s a feature-length documentary or a short film. The same rules apply to the Works Cited entry.
FAQ 2: What if I don’t know the director of the film?
While including the director is standard practice, if the director is truly unknown, you can omit that information. However, make every effort to find the director’s name. Resources like IMDb (Internet Movie Database) are usually reliable.
FAQ 3: Do I italicize the name of a film festival?
No, film festival names are not italicized. For example: “The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.”
FAQ 4: What if I’m writing about a short film?
The same rules for feature-length films apply to short films. Italicize the title in both the text and the Works Cited entry.
FAQ 5: How do I cite a television show episode?
Citing television episodes follows different rules. The episode title is placed in quotation marks, and the television series title is italicized. For example: “The Dinner Party” episode of The Office.
FAQ 6: What if I’m citing a film available on a specific platform like YouTube?
Include the platform in your Works Cited entry. For example:
- Charlie Chaplin: The Immigrant. Directed by Charlie Chaplin, Mutual Film Corporation, 1917. YouTube, uploaded by чарли чаплин, 12 Mar. 2014, [URL].
FAQ 7: Is it okay to abbreviate “Directed by” in the Works Cited entry?
No, do not abbreviate “Directed by”. Use the full phrase for formality and consistency.
FAQ 8: What if the movie title includes punctuation?
Include the punctuation as part of the title and italicize everything. For example: What Men Want.
FAQ 9: Should I cite the year of production or the year of release?
Cite the year the movie was initially released to the public. This is the most relevant information for the reader.
FAQ 10: What if I’m citing a movie script?
If citing a published script, italicize the script’s title just as you would with a film title. Include the author (screenwriter) and publisher information in your Works Cited entry.
FAQ 11: How do I cite a movie title within another movie title?
As mentioned earlier, both titles are italicized. The context should provide enough clarity to differentiate between the two.
FAQ 12: What if the film has a subtitle?
Include the subtitle after the main title, separated by a colon and a space. Italicize the entire title, including the subtitle. For example: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately cite movie titles in MLA format, ensuring the integrity and clarity of your academic writing. Remember, consistency and attention to detail are key to mastering any citation style.