Citing a movie in MLA format might seem daunting, but it boils down to providing essential information about the film in a structured way, allowing readers to easily locate the source you referenced. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to mastering MLA movie citations, ensuring your academic work adheres to the highest standards of scholarly integrity.
Understanding the Core Components of an MLA Movie Citation
The basic formula for citing a film in MLA format (9th edition) includes the following core elements, usually arranged in this order:
- Title of the Film: This is the complete and official title, italicized.
- Director: Use “Directed by” followed by the director(s) name(s).
- Contributors (Optional): You can include other contributors like writers, performers, or producers if relevant to your argument. Use descriptive labels (e.g., “Written by,” “Starring,” “Produced by”).
- Production Company(ies): This is the company or companies responsible for producing the film.
- Year of Release: The year the film was originally released.
- Medium: Always specify the medium. For a physical copy, use “Film.” For streaming, use “Film” or “Streaming Video.”
- URL (If applicable): If you watched the film online, include the URL where you accessed it.
Let’s look at a practical example:
- Casablanca. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros., 1942. Film.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Element
- Title: The title is arguably the most important element. It should be exact.
- Director: In academic writing, highlighting the director emphasizes their artistic vision and control over the film’s creation. If the director is crucial to your argument, mentioning them is highly recommended.
- Contributors: If your argument centers on a specific actor’s performance or the screenwriter’s dialogue, include them accordingly. For example: “Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman” or “Written by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch.”
- Production Company: This helps identify the film’s origin and can be particularly important when discussing independent films or studio productions.
- Year of Release: Provides context for the film’s creation and reception.
- Medium: Clarifies how you accessed the film (DVD, Blu-ray, streaming service). This is crucial in acknowledging the specific version you viewed. If streaming, specify the service, example “Streaming Video, Netflix.”
- URL: If streaming, include the direct URL if available and persistent. If not, omit it.
Constructing Your MLA Movie Citation: Examples
Here are a few different scenarios and how to cite them:
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Basic Film Citation:
- The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Castle Rock Entertainment, 1994. Film.
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Film Accessed via Streaming Service:
- Parasite. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Neon, 2019. Streaming Video, Hulu, www.hulu.com/movie/parasite-b6b75311-a764-481a-9d3c-8e15b26c5077.
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Film with Focus on a Specific Actor:
- The Dark Knight. Directed by Christopher Nolan, performances by Christian Bale, et al., Warner Bros., 2008. Film. (Using “et al.” for multiple performers beyond the first).
In-Text Citations
Remember to pair your Works Cited entry with a corresponding in-text citation. Typically, this involves the first element of your Works Cited entry (usually the title) and the relevant time stamp, if necessary:
- ( Casablanca 00:23:45) – If referencing a specific scene.
- (The Shawshank Redemption) – For general references to the film.
Always prioritize accuracy and consistency when creating both your Works Cited entry and in-text citations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about citing films in MLA format:
FAQ 1: What if a film has multiple directors?
If a film has multiple directors, list them in the order they appear on the film’s credits, separated by commas and the word “and” before the last name. For example: “Directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski.”
FAQ 2: How do I cite a film I watched on DVD or Blu-ray?
For physical media, the basic format remains the same. Indicate “Film” as the medium. Include the production company and year of release.
Example: Citizen Kane. Directed by Orson Welles, RKO Radio Pictures, 1941. Film.
FAQ 3: What if I want to emphasize the screenwriter rather than the director?
You can prioritize the screenwriter by starting the citation with “Written by” followed by the screenwriter’s name. Then list the title, director, and other relevant information.
Example: Written by Charlie Kaufman. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Directed by Michel Gondry, Focus Features, 2004. Film.
FAQ 4: How do I cite a film that is part of a larger series or franchise?
You should cite the specific film you are referencing, not the entire series. If the series context is relevant, you can mention it in your writing.
Example: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Directed by George Lucas, Lucasfilm, 1977. Film.
FAQ 5: What if the production company is unclear?
If the production company is unclear, try to find the most reliable source of information, such as IMDb or the film’s official website. If the production company remains unknown, you can omit it from the citation.
FAQ 6: What if the film has no director listed?
This is highly unusual for a feature film. Verify thoroughly. If, despite your best efforts, you cannot find a director, you can omit this element from the citation.
FAQ 7: How do I cite a documentary film?
Cite documentaries the same way you would cite any other film, including the director, production company, and year of release.
Example: Man with a Movie Camera. Directed by Dziga Vertov, VUFKU, 1929. Film.
FAQ 8: How do I cite a short film?
The same rules apply as for feature-length films. Cite the director, production company, year, and medium.
FAQ 9: Do I need to include the country of origin for a film?
No, the country of origin is generally not required in MLA format unless it is directly relevant to your analysis of the film.
FAQ 10: What if a film has a very long title?
Use the full title as it appears on the film itself. Avoid abbreviations unless they are part of the official title.
FAQ 11: How do I cite a film commentary track?
To cite a commentary track, credit the person (or people) providing the commentary and specify that it is a commentary track.
Example: Tarantino, Quentin, and Roger Avary. Commentary track. Pulp Fiction, Miramax Films, 1994. DVD.
FAQ 12: If the movie is in a foreign language, should I translate the title in my citation?
No, keep the original title in your citation. If you want to provide a translation, you can do so in your writing, but not in the citation itself.
By following this comprehensive guide and addressing these frequently asked questions, you can confidently and accurately cite films in MLA format, ensuring the integrity and credibility of your academic work. Remember to consult the official MLA Handbook (9th edition) for the most up-to-date guidelines.