Citing films correctly in MLA style can seem tricky, but it's manageable once you understand the format. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, ensuring your citations are accurate and professional. We'll cover both in-text citations and the Works Cited entry.
Understanding MLA Film Citation Basics
The core elements you'll need for your MLA film citation include the title, director, distributor, and year of release. Other details, like the actors and streaming platform, are generally not required but can be useful depending on the context.
Key Differences from other sources: Unlike books or articles, films don't have page numbers. Therefore, your in-text citations won't include page numbers.
How to Create an In-Text Citation for a Film
In-text citations in MLA style provide a brief reference to your source within the body of your paper. For films, the basic structure is usually the director's last name. If the director is unknown, use the film's title (or a shortened version).
Example:
- Correct: (Spielberg 12). This example is incorrect, as films do not use page numbers.
- Correct: (Spielberg)
- Correct: ("Casablanca") This would be used if the director is unknown or not relevant to your discussion.
Let's break it down:
- When to use the director's name: Use this when discussing directorial choices or themes directly related to the director's vision.
- When to use the film's title: Use this when discussing general plot points or when the director's identity is unimportant to your point.
Always ensure your in-text citation corresponds to a full citation in your Works Cited page.
How to Create a Works Cited Entry for a Film
The Works Cited page is where you list all your sources in alphabetical order. Here's the basic format for a film in MLA 9th edition:
Film Title. Director's Name. Distributor, Year. Medium.
Let's see this in action with examples.
Example 1: Streaming Service
Citizen Kane. Orson Welles. RKO Radio Pictures, 1941. Netflix.
Example 2: DVD/Blu-ray
Casablanca. Michael Curtiz. Warner Bros., 1942. DVD.
Example 3: Film with Multiple Directors
The Avengers. Joss Whedon, Anthony Russo, Joe Russo. Marvel Studios, 2012. Streaming.
Important Considerations:
- Title: Italicize the film title.
- Director: List the director's last name, followed by a comma and their first name. If there are multiple directors, list them in order of appearance in the credits, separated by commas.
- Distributor: This is the studio or company that released the film.
- Year: Use the year of release.
- Medium: Specify the medium you accessed the film (e.g., Netflix, DVD, Blu-ray, Streaming).
Handling Additional Information
Sometimes, you might need to include additional information for clarity. This could include:
- Screenwriters: For academic papers focusing on screenwriting, you could add the screenwriter's name after the director. However, this is generally not needed for standard essays.
- Actors: Typically, you do not need to include the cast.
- Specific Version: If you're citing a specific version (e.g., director's cut), you can add that detail after the year.
Mastering MLA Film Citations: Key Takeaways
Following these guidelines ensures consistent and accurate citation of films in your MLA papers. Remember to:
- Always include the director's name (or the film's title if the director is unknown) in your in-text citation.
- Provide a complete Works Cited entry that includes all the necessary elements (title, director, distributor, year, and medium).
- Maintain consistency in your formatting throughout your paper.
By adhering to these simple rules, you can confidently cite films in your MLA papers and avoid plagiarism. Good luck!
