How to Cite Movies in MLA
Citing movies in MLA format is an essential skill for students and researchers who are writing papers on film studies, media studies, or any subject that involves analyzing cinematic works. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original creators but also helps readers locate the sources easily. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to cite movies in MLA format, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent.
General Guidelines for Citing Movies in MLA
When citing movies in MLA format, it is crucial to include the following information:
1. Author(s) of the movie: The names of the director(s) and screenwriter(s) are typically listed as the authors.
2. Title of the movie: The title should be italicized and placed in quotation marks.
3. Release year: The year the movie was released should be included in parentheses after the title.
4. Production company: The name of the production company is listed after the release year, separated by a comma.
5. Format of the movie: Specify whether the movie is a feature film, documentary, short film, etc.
Example of a Basic Movie Citation
Here is an example of a basic movie citation in MLA format:
“Schindler’s List.” Directed by Steven Spielberg. Written by Thomas Keneally and Anne Frank. Universal Pictures, 1993.
Citing a Movie with Multiple Directors or Writers
If a movie has multiple directors or writers, list them in alphabetical order, separated by commas. Here is an example:
“The Social Network.” Directed by David Fincher, written by Aaron Sorkin. Columbia Pictures, 2010.
Citing a Foreign Movie
When citing a foreign movie, include the original title in the language of the film, followed by the English title in parentheses. Here is an example:
“La Haine.” Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. Written by Mathieu Kassovitz and Gilles Paquet-Brenner. Les Films du Worso, 1995.
Citing a Movie from a Compilation or Series
If a movie is part of a compilation or series, include the title of the compilation or series in the citation. Here is an example:
“Pulp Fiction.” Directed by Quentin Tarantino. Written by Quentin Tarantino. In Quentin Tarantino’s Films, Miramax, 1994.
Citing a Movie from a Streaming Service or Online Platform
When citing a movie from a streaming service or online platform, include the name of the platform in parentheses after the release year. Here is an example:
“The Matrix.” Directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. Written by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. Warner Bros., 1999. Netflix, 2021.
Formatting Your Works Cited List
Ensure that your Works Cited list is formatted correctly. Each entry should be double-spaced, with a hanging indent (the second and subsequent lines of each citation should be indented one half-inch from the margin). Here is an example:
Schindler’s List. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Written by Thomas Keneally and Anne Frank. Universal Pictures, 1993.
“The Social Network.” Directed by David Fincher, written by Aaron Sorkin. Columbia Pictures, 2010.
“La Haine.” Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. Written by Mathieu Kassovitz and Gilles Paquet-Brenner. Les Films du Worso, 1995.
“The Matrix.” Directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. Written by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. Warner Bros., 1999. Netflix, 2021.
In conclusion, citing movies in MLA format requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your references are accurate and consistent, making your paper more credible and professional.
