How do you write a movie title in an essay? This question often arises when students are tasked with writing a film analysis or review. The correct formatting of movie titles in an essay is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that the reader can easily identify the subject of the discussion. In this article, we will explore the guidelines for writing movie titles in an essay, including proper formatting, capitalization, and punctuation.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that movie titles are typically formatted differently in an essay compared to how they appear in the original source. According to the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, which is commonly used in the humanities, movie titles should be placed in quotation marks within the text of your essay. For example, “In the film Parasite, the director Bong Joon-ho masterfully explores the class divide.” This format sets the movie title apart from the rest of the text and indicates that it is a title.
Additionally, when using the movie title as the main subject of your essay, it should be italicized. For instance, “This essay analyzes the themes of Parasite and its impact on contemporary society.” Italicizing the title helps to emphasize the main focus of your paper and distinguishes it from other titles or headings.
Another important aspect to consider is capitalization. When writing a movie title in an essay, only the first letter of the first word, any proper nouns, and any words that would normally be capitalized in a sentence should be capitalized. For example, “The film La La Land explores the complexities of love and relationships.” This rule applies to both the main title and any subtitles or secondary titles within the movie.
In some cases, you may need to include the title of the movie in a list or bibliography. In this situation, the title should be formatted in italics, followed by the name of the director, and then the year of release. For example, “Parasite (Bong Joon-ho, 2019)” This format provides the necessary information for the reader while maintaining consistency with the rest of your essay.
Lastly, it is important to note that movie titles should not be underlined in an essay. The use of quotation marks or italics is sufficient to indicate that the title is a movie title, and underlining may be confusing or outdated.
In conclusion, when writing a movie title in an essay, it is essential to follow proper formatting guidelines. Use quotation marks or italics to set the title apart from the rest of the text, capitalize only the first letter of the first word, any proper nouns, and any words that would normally be capitalized in a sentence. By adhering to these rules, you can ensure that your essay is well-organized and easy to read, while also maintaining academic integrity.
