No, you generally do not put a film at the end of an MLA citation. Instead, the film title is usually placed at the beginning, serving as the core identifier of the work you are citing, followed by other relevant information in the correct order as dictated by the MLA 9th edition guidelines.
Understanding MLA Film Citations: A Foundation
Creating accurate and complete citations is crucial for academic integrity and allows readers to locate the sources you used in your research. This section provides a fundamental understanding of how to cite films correctly in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style.
The Basic Structure of a Film Citation
The MLA 9th edition offers a template for citation entries, and film citations follow this template closely. While the specifics can vary slightly depending on your source, the basic components typically include:
- Title of the Film: Placed at the beginning, in italics.
- Director: Include the director’s name (preceded by “Directed by”) if you are focusing on the directorial aspects of the film.
- Other Contributors: You can include actors, writers, or other significant contributors.
- Distributor: The company that released or distributed the film.
- Year of Release: The year the film was originally released.
Example:
- Casablanca. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros., 1942.
Variations Based on Source Format
The specific elements included in your citation will depend on whether you accessed the film on DVD, streaming service, or in a theater. For streaming sources, include the platform name.
Example (Streaming):
- Parasite. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Neon, 2019. Netflix.
Navigating Common Citation Challenges
Citing films accurately can present specific challenges. Let’s explore common hurdles and how to overcome them, ensuring your citations are both accurate and compliant with MLA standards.
Citing Specific Performances
If you’re focusing on a particular actor’s performance, you would cite the film as usual but also include the actor’s name in your explanation or analysis within the text.
Multiple Directors or Contributors
If a film has multiple directors, you can list them separated by commas. For a large number of contributors, focus on those most relevant to your argument.
Films Without a Clear Distributor
If you cannot determine the distributor, omit that element from the citation. However, always strive to find this information through credible sources.
FAQs: Mastering MLA Film Citations
Here are some frequently asked questions about citing films in MLA format to help you navigate specific situations:
1. What if I watched the film on YouTube? How do I cite that?
Cite YouTube videos containing films similarly to streaming services, but include the uploader’s name and the upload date.
Example:
- The Gold Rush. Directed by Charlie Chaplin, United Artists, 1925. YouTube, uploaded by Charlie Chaplin Official, 20 Aug. 2013.
2. Do I italicize the film title in the Works Cited list?
Yes, the film title should always be italicized in your Works Cited list.
3. How do I cite a film review?
Cite a film review like you would any other article, including the reviewer’s name, the review’s title (in quotation marks), the publication’s name (in italics), and the date of publication. You can then mention the film being reviewed within the context of the review citation.
Example:
- Scott, A. O. “Review: A Haunting ‘Roma’ Shows Life as an Endless Balancing Act.” The New York Times, 13 Dec. 2018.
4. Should I include the length of the film in my citation?
No, the length of the film is generally not required in an MLA citation.
5. What if there are no identifiable directors or contributors?
If you cannot find the director, start the citation with the film title. However, diligently attempt to find this information before omitting it.
6. How do I cite a film that I saw in a theater?
The citation would primarily include the title, director, distributor, and year of release, similar to a DVD citation. There’s no specific modification required for theatrical viewings.
Example:
- Oppenheimer. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Universal Pictures, 2023.
7. What if I want to highlight the screenwriter’s work?
You can include the screenwriter in the “Contributors” section, using “Written by” before their name.
Example:
- Pulp Fiction. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, written by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, Miramax, 1994.
8. How do I handle citing a series of films?
If you’re referencing the entire series, cite the first film like a regular film and then note that it’s part of a series in your text. If you’re referring to multiple specific films from the series, cite each one individually.
9. Can I include the year of production in addition to the release year?
Typically, the release year is sufficient. Only include the production year if it’s significantly different and relevant to your analysis.
10. What if the film has a translated title?
Cite the film using the original title. You can include the translated title in parentheses immediately after the original title if you feel it’s necessary for clarity.
Example:
- Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari). Directed by Robert Wiene, Decla-Bioscop AG, 1920.
11. When should I include the URL of the streaming service in the citation?
Include the URL only if the specific version of the film you watched is unique to that URL and cannot be found elsewhere. This is less common now than it used to be, but can be relevant for educational sites or very obscure streaming platforms. Otherwise, just include the name of the streaming service.
12. How does citing a film differ if I’m using Chicago style instead of MLA?
Chicago style film citations place the year of release after the director (or the title if no director is available) and uses “dir.” instead of “Directed by.” The format and order of other elements also differ slightly. Always consult the Chicago Manual of Style for complete guidance. It is crucial to use a specific style and adhere to it consistently throughout your work.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Film Citation
Citing films correctly in MLA format is essential for academic rigor. By understanding the basic structure, addressing common challenges, and referring to the answers to these FAQs, you can confidently cite films in your research and avoid plagiarism. Remember to always consult the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines. Paying attention to detail ensures your citations are accurate, complete, and effectively guide your readers to the sources that informed your work. Accurate citation is not just a formality; it is a cornerstone of scholarly communication and ethical research practices.