Properly citing films in your MLA (Modern Language Association) style paper is crucial for academic integrity and demonstrating the thoroughness of your research. In its simplest form, an MLA movie citation in the Works Cited list includes the film’s title, director’s name, distributor, and year of release; however, variations arise depending on the elements you need to emphasize in your analysis.
Unveiling the Core MLA Movie Citation
The standard MLA format for citing a movie in your Works Cited list is as follows:
Title of the Movie. Directed by [Director’s Name], Distributor, Year of Release.
Let’s break down each element:
- Title of the Movie: This is presented in italics. Use the full title as it appears on the film itself. If the title begins with “A,” “An,” or “The,” retain it.
- Directed by [Director’s Name]: List the director’s name in the format “Directed by Last Name, First Name.” While other credits are often involved, MLA prioritizes the director’s role.
- Distributor: This refers to the production company or the company that released the film. Examples include “Warner Bros.,” “Universal Pictures,” or “Netflix.”
- Year of Release: Use the year the movie was initially released to the public.
Example:
- Oppenheimer. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Universal Pictures, 2023.
This basic format forms the foundation of all your movie citations. However, nuances and additional information may be required depending on your research needs. Let’s explore some of the most common scenarios and how to address them.
Expanding Your Citation Arsenal: Addressing Specific Scenarios
The basic MLA format provides a solid starting point, but often, your research requires incorporating more detailed information. Knowing how to cite specific versions, episodes, or online streaming sources is essential.
Citing a Specific Edition or Version
Sometimes, you might need to cite a specific version of a film, such as a Director’s Cut, a Special Edition DVD, or a Blu-ray release. In such cases, include the edition’s title or description after the movie title, before the director’s name.
Example:
- Blade Runner: The Final Cut. Directed by Ridley Scott, Warner Bros., 2007.
Citing a Television Series Episode
When citing a specific episode of a television series, include the episode title in quotation marks, followed by the series title in italics. You’ll also need to provide the season and episode number.
Format:
“[Episode Title]”. Series Title, season [Season Number], episode [Episode Number], Distributor, Year.
Example:
- “Pilot”. The Good Place, season 1, episode 1, NBC, 2016.
Citing a Film Viewed on a Streaming Service
With the rise of streaming services, it’s important to know how to cite films accessed online. While the basic elements remain the same, you’ll add the name of the streaming service and the URL.
Format:
Title of the Movie. Directed by [Director’s Name], Distributor, Year of Release. Name of Streaming Service, URL.
Example:
- Parasite. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Neon, 2019. Hulu, www.hulu.com/movie/parasite-85662e84-e5df-4cb5-8599-bc741c152f0a
Citing a Film in a Anthology or Collection
If you are referencing a film that is part of a larger collection, such as a box set or anthology, cite the film’s information first, then the container’s details.
Format:
Title of the Movie. Directed by [Director’s Name], Distributor, Year of Release. Title of Collection.
Example:
- The Dark Knight. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros., 2008. The Dark Knight Trilogy.
Demystifying MLA: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are twelve FAQs to address common questions and challenges when citing movies in MLA format.
FAQ 1: How do I cite a movie when I don’t know the director?
If the director is genuinely unknown, which is rare for major releases, you can omit that part of the citation. Start directly with the distributor.
Example:
- The Blair Witch Project. Artisan Entertainment, 1999.
FAQ 2: What if a movie has multiple directors?
If a movie has multiple directors credited, list them in the order they appear on the film, separated by commas.
Example:
- 2001: A Space Odyssey. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1968.
FAQ 3: Do I need to include the country of origin in the citation?
Generally, the country of origin is not required in an MLA movie citation. If the film’s origin is crucial to your argument, you can mention it in your analysis within the text.
FAQ 4: How do I format in-text citations for movies?
In-text citations for movies usually include the title of the movie in italics and, if relevant, a specific timestamp.
Example:
( Oppenheimer, 01:15:20-01:15:30)
If you are citing the film in general, you may omit the timestamp.
FAQ 5: Is it okay to use online citation generators?
While online citation generators can be helpful, they are not always accurate. Always double-check the generated citation against the official MLA Handbook to ensure accuracy.
FAQ 6: What if the film title is in a language other than English?
If the film title is in a language other than English, include both the original title (in italics) and the English translation in square brackets immediately after.
Example:
- Amélie [Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain]. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, UGC Fox Distribution, 2001.
FAQ 7: How do I cite a documentary film?
The citation format for a documentary is the same as a regular film:
Example:
- Man with a Movie Camera. Directed by Dziga Vertov, Derussa, 1929.
FAQ 8: What about citing a film that is not widely distributed and difficult to find?
If the film is obscure, try to locate as much information as possible. If the distributor is unavailable, include the production company, if known. Provide a URL if available for online viewing. Prioritize accuracy with the information you do have.
FAQ 9: Should I cite the writers of the movie?
While the director is prioritized in standard MLA citations, if the screenplay is a major focus of your analysis, you can include “Screenplay by [Writer’s Name]” after “Directed by [Director’s Name]”.
FAQ 10: How detailed should the URL be when citing a streaming service?
Use the most specific URL that directs the reader to the film’s page on the streaming service. Avoid overly long or truncated URLs.
FAQ 11: Do I need to include the length of the film in the citation?
The film’s length is not generally required in MLA citations unless it’s pertinent to your analysis.
FAQ 12: What if I viewed the film in a movie theatre?
The citation format remains the same whether you viewed the film in a theater or at home. The location of viewing doesn’t influence the MLA format.
Conclusion: Projecting Confidence with Proper Citation
Mastering MLA movie citations may seem daunting at first, but by understanding the core principles and applying them to various scenarios, you can confidently present your research with accuracy and professionalism. Remember to prioritize clarity, consistency, and adherence to the MLA Handbook guidelines. Proper citation is not just a formality; it’s a cornerstone of academic integrity and scholarly communication, showcasing the depth and credibility of your work. Now go forth and cite those films with confidence!