When it comes to academic writing, adhering to the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is fundamental for students and researchers alike. Citing movies in MLA format can seem daunting, especially given the diverse roles and contributing factors that must be acknowledged. However, this guide will simplify the process, leading you through step-by-step instructions with practical examples to ensure that you can master MLA movie citations with ease.
The Essential Formula for MLA Film Citation
The typical MLA film citation format is as follows:
Director’s Last Name, Director’s First Name, director. Movie Title. Contributors, Distributor, Year of Release.
To put this into practice, consider a classic film citation:
Welles, Orson, director. Citizen Kane. Performances by Joseph Cotten and Dorothy Comingore, RKO Pictures, 1941.
This straightforward formula will serve as a foundation for most film citations, but lets examine additional details to cater to various scenarios.
Highlighting Additional Contributors in MLA Movie Citations
Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge additional contributors who played a pivotal role in the movie’s creation. When applicable, you can add writers, actors, or producers immediately following the title:
Spielberg, Steven, director. Schindler’s List. Screenplay by Steven Zaillian, Performances by Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes, Amblin Entertainment, 1993.
By highlighting multiple contributors, you provide a comprehensive citation that reflects the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
In-Text Citations for Films in MLA Style
In-text citations for movies in MLA style typically include the director’s name and the film title, if the title wasnt mentioned in your text:
Orson Welles innovation in filmmaking is evident in scenes from Citizen Kane (Welles).
If you’ve already mentioned the title, cite only the time range of the part you’re referring to:
One of the most iconic scenes fills the screen with an eerie silence before the sudden scream (Welles 01:15:23-01:16:00).
Formatting Movie Titles in MLA Citations
Proper formatting for movie titles in your works cited list and in your essay text is essential. In MLA, film titles are italicized, both in references and in the essay body, which particularly emphasizes the standalone nature of films:
Christopher Nolan’s Inception transformed the way audiences perceive dream sequences in movies.
Adhering to this formatting ensures clarity and consistency for readers as they identify cited works.
Citing Movies Accessed Online in MLA Format
More and more people are watching films through online platforms. To cite a movie accessed online, include the digital service or website name and the URL:
Lee, Spike, director. Do the Right Thing. Filmworks, 1989. Hulu, www.hulu.com/watch/1234567.
This citation indicates the original release date along with the online source, making it a reliable reference for digital viewers.
Tips for Citing Uncommon Movie Sources in MLA
Occasionally, you might encounter a situation where you need to cite a movie from an uncommon source like an archive or a special collection. In this case, the citation should reflect the unique nature of the source:
Lang, Fritz, director. Metropolis. 1927. Kino Lorber, 2010. UCLA Film and Television Archive, Los Angeles.
Notice how the archives name and location are included to assist readers in locating the film.
Citing movies in MLA format is a crucial skill for students and researchers. By breaking down the citation process into manageable steps and including clear examples, we hope this guide makes it easier for you to accurately reference the films that inform and enhance your work. Remember to stay consistent with the MLA style, ensure the details are accurate, and format the titles correctly. Whether you are citing a film classic or a niche indie flick, your citations will now be as polished as the papers they support.
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