Are Film Titles Italicized in MLA?

When writing academic papers or articles following the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, it is important to properly format citations and references. One commonly asked question is whether film titles should be italicized in MLA. Understanding the correct formatting rules can help ensure your writing is accurate and meets the MLA guidelines.

Key Takeaways:

• Film titles should be italicized in MLA style.
• Italicizing film titles helps distinguish them from the rest of the text.
• Ensure consistency in formatting throughout your work.

According to the MLA Handbook, film titles should be italicized when cited in the body of a paper. This applies to full-length films, documentaries, and even short films or movie titles mentioned in the text. By italicizing film titles, you make it clear to the reader that you are referring to a specific work.

It is important to note that film titles should also be italicized when mentioned in your works cited or bibliography page. The same formatting rules apply for both in-text citations and full references at the end of your paper. Consistency is crucial in maintaining a professional and organized appearance.

Formatting Example

Below is an example demonstrating proper MLA formatting for a film title in both an in-text citation and on the works cited page:

As showcased in the example, italicizing the film title within the text and in the works cited page helps distinguish it from other elements.

Exceptions to the Rule

While most film titles should be italicized, there are a few exceptions to be aware of. Titles of film series, such as Star Wars or Harry Potter, should not be italicized. Additionally, if you are referring to a film using only a partial title, it is not necessary to italicize it.

Conclusion

When citing films in MLA style, it is important to follow the guidelines and italicize the titles to clearly distinguish them from the rest of the text. By properly formatting film titles, including in-text citations and works cited pages, you can ensure your writing meets the MLA standards and maintains consistency throughout.

Common Misconceptions

Are Film Titles Italicized in MLA?

One common misconception people have regarding film titles in MLA is that they should always be italicized. However, this is not entirely true. While it is true that film titles should be emphasized, whether through italics or quotation marks, the method of emphasis depends on the medium in which the film is being referenced.

• Italicizing a film title is appropriate when the film is being referenced in the body of a scholarly essay or journal article.
• Quotation marks should be used when mentioning a film title in the title of an essay or research paper.
• For film titles referenced in other mediums, such as a blog post or magazine article, it is best to follow the publisher’s or style guide’s guidelines for formatting.

Another misconception is that film titles should be written in all capital letters, similar to how they appear on movie posters or promotional materials. However, in MLA format, film titles should be written in title case, where the first and last words, as well as all other major words, are capitalized.

• Examples of major words that should be capitalized in film titles include nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs.
• Articles, prepositions, and conjunctions are not considered major words and should not be capitalized in film titles.
• For example, a film title should be written as “The Shawshank Redemption” and not “The Shawshank REDEMPTION” or “the shawshank redemption”.

Many people also mistakenly believe that film titles should always be underlined in MLA format. However, underlining is an outdated practice and is no longer recommended by the Modern Language Association. Instead, film titles should be emphasized through the use of italics or quotation marks, as previously mentioned.

• Underlining was commonly used before the advent of modern word processing software that allows for italics. It is now considered unnecessary and dated.
• Using italics or quotation marks ensures proper formatting and consistency in accordance with MLA guidelines.
• For example, a film title should be written as The Godfather or “The Godfather”, and not The Godfather.

Lastly, some people mistakenly believe that including the release year of a film is necessary when referencing film titles in MLA format. However, the release year is not required unless it is relevant to the discussion or analysis being presented in the paper.

• In general, it is best to include the release year of a film title when discussing older or less well-known movies to provide context for the reader.
• When referencing well-known or recent films, the release year is often unnecessary as the film can be easily identified without it.
• It is important to remember to be consistent in the use of the release year, either including it for all film titles or omitting it for all film titles within the same paper.

Are Film Titles Italicized in MLA?

When it comes to citing sources and formatting in academic writing, adherence to style guides is of utmost importance. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used for humanities-related papers and research. One common question that arises when citing films in MLA format is whether or not film titles should be italicized. In this article, we will explore the guidelines provided by the MLA style guide and provide ten interesting examples to illustrate whether film titles should be italicized.

1. “The Shawshank Redemption”

To determine whether film titles should be italicized in MLA, we turn to the official MLA Handbook (8th edition), which specifies that titles of self-contained works should be italicized. Films are typically considered self-contained works, which means that according to MLA style, “The Shawshank Redemption” should be italicized when cited in the text or on a Works Cited page.

2. “Citizen Kane”

In this table, we delve deeper into the MLA guidelines to clarify whether film titles with single quotes, such as “Citizen Kane,” should also be italicized. According to the MLA Handbook, titles with single quotes do not need to be italicized. Thus, “Citizen Kane” is written without italics in MLA format.

3. “La La Land”

This table explores whether foreign-language films should be treated differently under MLA guidelines. The MLA Handbook states that the original title of a work should be used, even for foreign-language films. Hence, “La La Land” remains in its original form without the use of italics.

4. “Avengers: Endgame”

Does punctuation affect the italicization of a film title in MLA? Let’s find out with the example of “Avengers: Endgame.” The MLA Handbook advises us to maintain the author’s or creator’s punctuation, which means that the colon in “Avengers: Endgame” should not make a difference regarding italics.

5. “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”

In this table, we address a common question regarding film titles that contain colons. Do both parts of the title need to be italicized? According to MLA, only the main title needs to be italicized, while the secondary title following the colon should remain in normal font.

6. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”

What about films based on books? Should the film title follow the italicization rules of the book title? According to the MLA guidelines, the film title and book title are treated separately. Therefore, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” should be italicized as a film title, regardless of the italicization of the book title.

7. “The Dark Knight”

When citing films with subtitles, such as “The Dark Knight,” the MLA guidelines suggest treating the title as a single work without italicizing the subtitle. Therefore, “The Dark Knight” would be written without italics in both the text and the Works Cited page.

8. “Pulp Fiction”

Some films have unique formatting in their titles, such as “Pulp Fiction.” In MLA style, these unique formatting choices should be maintained as intended by the creators. Therefore, “Pulp Fiction” would be written without italics in MLA citations.

9. “The Lion King”

What about films that are also referred to as plays or musicals? Do they require any special formatting? In the case of “The Lion King,” the MLA guidelines state that the format should match the type of work it is, so “The Lion King” would be written without italics in MLA citations.

10. “Inception”

Lastly, we address the formatting of film titles that are also common words in the English language, such as “Inception.” According to the MLA guidelines, such titles should be formatted in italics to differentiate them from regular text.

In conclusion, when using MLA style, film titles are generally italicized in both in-text citations and on the Works Cited page. Exceptions include titles with single quotes, foreign-language films, and films with subtitles or unique formatting choices. Following these guidelines ensures accurate and consistent citation formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are film titles italicized in MLA?

Which edition of MLA is currently in use?

Does MLA require the use of italics for other types of titles?

What if a film title contains a foreign word or phrase?

Are film series italicized in MLA?

When should film titles be capitalized in MLA?

Does MLA require the use of quotation marks for film titles?

Can film titles be underlined instead of italicized?

What if a film title includes a subtitle?

What other formatting rules should be followed in MLA?