Citing a Film in MLA: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to citing a film in MLA format, there are several key elements to consider. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of citing a film in MLA, including the basic elements, the format for citing a film, and some examples to help illustrate the process.
Basic Elements of a Film Citation in MLA
To cite a film in MLA, you will need to include the following basic elements: * Title of the film: The title of the film should be in title case, with major words capitalized. * Director: The director’s name should be listed in the format “Last Name, First Name.” * Distributor: The distributor’s name should be included, if available. * Year of release: The year the film was released should be included. * Medium: The medium of the film, such as “Film” or “DVD,” should be included.
Format for Citing a Film in MLA
The format for citing a film in MLA is as follows: Title of the film. Directed by Director’s Name, Distributor, Year of release. Medium.For example: The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Columbia Pictures, 1994. Film.
Citing a Film with Multiple Directors or Distributors
If a film has multiple directors or distributors, you can separate them with commas or use the word “and” to join them. For example: The Matrix. Directed by Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski, Warner Bros., 1999. Film.Or: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Directed by Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema, 2001. Film.
Citing a Film with a Specific Scene or Time Stamp
If you are citing a specific scene or time stamp from a film, you can include the scene or time stamp in the citation. For example: The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Paramount Pictures, 1972. Film. 1:23:45-1:25:10.This citation includes the time stamp of the specific scene being cited.
Citing a Film from a Streaming Service
If you are citing a film from a streaming service, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, you can include the name of the service and the URL in the citation. For example: The Irishman. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Netflix, 2019. Film. https://www.netflix.com/title/80175719.
Citing a Film with a Translator or Editor
If a film has a translator or editor, you can include their name in the citation. For example: The 400 Blows. Directed by François Truffaut, translated by Helen G. Scott, Janus Films, 1959. Film.Or: The Rules of the Game. Directed by Jean Renoir, edited by Marguerite Renoir, Criterion Collection, 1939. Film.
📝 Note: When citing a film in MLA, it's essential to include as much information as possible to help your reader locate the source.
Examples of Film Citations in MLA
Here are some examples of film citations in MLA: * The Wizard of Oz. Directed by Victor Fleming, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939. Film. * Pulp Fiction. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Miramax Films, 1994. Film. * The Avengers. Directed by Joss Whedon, Marvel Studios, 2012. Film. * The Grand Budapest Hotel. Directed by Wes Anderson, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2014. Film.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When citing a film in MLA, there are some common mistakes to avoid: * Forgetting to include the medium (e.g., “Film” or “DVD”) * Not including the distributor’s name * Not including the year of release * Not using title case for the film title * Not including the director’s nameBy following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your film citations in MLA are accurate and helpful to your reader.
To summarize the key points in this guide, citing a film in MLA requires including the title of the film, the director’s name, the distributor, the year of release, and the medium. You should also be aware of how to cite films with multiple directors or distributors, specific scenes or time stamps, and films from streaming services. By using the correct format and avoiding common mistakes, you can create accurate and helpful citations for your readers.
