How To Cite Films In Mla

How to Cite Films in MLA: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive explanation of how to cite films in MLA (Modern Language Association) style, covering various formats and scenarios. Properly citing your sources is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your film citations are accurate and consistent with MLA guidelines.

Understanding MLA Film Citations

MLA style emphasizes brevity and clarity. Film citations typically include the title of the film, the director, the distributor, and the year of release. The format varies slightly depending on whether you're citing a film viewed in a theater, on streaming services, or on DVD/Blu-ray.

Basic Film Citation Format:

The core structure for an MLA film citation is as follows:

• Film Title. Director's Name. Distributor, Year. Medium of viewing.

Examples of Film Citations in Different Formats:

Here are examples showcasing different ways to cite films based on how you accessed them:

1. Film Viewed in a Theater:

• Jaws. Dir. Steven Spielberg, Universal Pictures, 1975. Theater.

2. Film Viewed on Streaming Service (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime):

• Parasite. Dir. Bong Joon-ho, Neon, 2019. Netflix.

3. Film Viewed on DVD or Blu-ray:

• Citizen Kane. Dir. Orson Welles, RKO Radio Pictures, 1941. DVD.

Adding More Detail When Necessary:

In some cases, you might need to add more information to your citation for greater clarity or specificity. For example:

• Multiple Directors: List all directors' names, separated by commas.

  • The Matrix. Dirs. Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski, Warner Bros., 1999. Streaming.

• Specific Version: If you're citing a specific version (e.g., director's cut), include this information.

  • Blade Runner: The Final Cut. Dir. Ridley Scott, Warner Bros., 1982. Blu-ray.

• Television Broadcast: If you viewed the film on television, specify the channel and date.

  • Casablanca. Dir. Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros., 1942. TCM, 15 Oct. 2023.

• Retrieved From (For Online Streaming): For greater clarity, particularly with less well-known streaming services, you can add "Retrieved from [website address]"

Incorporating Film Citations into Your Works Cited Page:

Your Works Cited page should appear at the end of your paper. All entries are alphabetized by the first word of the citation (usually the film title). Maintain consistent formatting for all entries.

Example Works Cited Page:

Works Cited

Citizen Kane. Dir. Orson Welles, RKO Radio Pictures, 1941. DVD.
Jaws. Dir. Steven Spielberg, Universal Pictures, 1975. Theater.
Parasite. Dir. Bong Joon-ho, Neon, 2019. Netflix.

Key Considerations for Accurate MLA Film Citations:

• Accuracy: Double-check all information for accuracy, including spelling and dates.
• Consistency: Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your Works Cited page.
• Completeness: Provide all necessary information to allow readers to easily locate the film.
• Clarity: Present your citations in a clear and concise manner.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately cite films in your MLA-formatted papers, ensuring your work is both academically sound and well-presented. Remember to always consult the latest MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date style guidelines.