MLA Film Citation: A Comprehensive Guide
When writing a research paper or essay, it is essential to properly cite the sources used to support your arguments. In the realm of film studies, citing movies and other audiovisual materials can be a bit tricky. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for citing films and other multimedia sources in academic writing. In this article, we will delve into the world of MLA film citation, exploring the rules and best practices for accurately citing films in your research papers.
Basic Film Citation Format
According to the MLA Handbook (8th edition), the basic format for citing a film in a works-cited list is as follows:
- Titles of films are italicized.
- The title of the film is followed by the director’s name, the distributor, and the release year.
- If the film has a narrator or featured performers, their names may be included after the title.
Here is an example of a basic film citation:
The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Castle Rock Entertainment, 1994.
Citing Films with Multiple Contributors
Often, films have multiple contributors, such as screenwriters, producers, and cinematographers. In MLA style, you can include these contributors in the citation, but it is not required. If you choose to include them, use the following format:
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Directed by Peter Jackson, screenplay by Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, produced by Barrie M. Osborne and Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema, 2001.
Citing Films from Online Sources
With the rise of online streaming services, it is becoming increasingly common to access films through digital platforms. When citing a film from an online source, include the title of the database or website, the publisher or distributor, and the date of access. Here is an example:
12 Years a Slave. Directed by Steve McQueen, performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2013. Amazon Prime Video, www.amazon.com, accessed 10 Feb. 2023.
Citing Specific Scenes or Quotes
When citing a specific scene or quote from a film, include the time range of the scene or quote in the citation. Here is an example:
The Matrix. Directed by The Wachowskis, performances by Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne, Warner Bros., 1999. (00:45:00-00:46:00).
In the in-text citation, you would include the time range in parentheses, like this: (The Matrix 00:45:00-00:46:00).
Common MLA Film Citation Examples
Here are some common examples of MLA film citations:
| Film Type | Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Feature Film | Film Title. Directed by Director’s Name, Distributor, Release Year. |
| Documentary Film | Film Title. Directed by Director’s Name, Distributor, Release Year. |
| Short Film | Film Title. Directed by Director’s Name, Distributor, Release Year. |
| TV Movie | Film Title. Directed by Director’s Name, Network, Air Date. |
Best Practices for MLA Film Citations
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when citing films in MLA style:
- Always include the title of the film in italics.
- Include the director’s name, if available.
- Provide the distributor and release year, if available.
- Use the time range of the scene or quote in the citation, if applicable.
- Be consistent in your formatting throughout the works-cited list.
What is the MLA format for citing a film?
+The MLA format for citing a film is: Film Title. Directed by Director’s Name, Distributor, Release Year.
How do I cite a specific scene or quote from a film in MLA style?
+To cite a specific scene or quote from a film, include the time range of the scene or quote in the citation, like this: (Film Title 00:45:00-00:46:00).
What information should I include when citing a film from an online source?
+When citing a film from an online source, include the title of the database or website, the publisher or distributor, and the date of access, like this: Film Title. Directed by Director’s Name, performances by Performer’s Name, Distributor, Release Year. Online Source, www.online-source.com, accessed Date of Access.
