I. Introduction
Citing sources is an essential part of academic writing, and movies are no exception. Whether you’re analyzing a film’s plot, characters, or themes, or using it as a reference for your argument, you need to cite the movie correctly in MLA style. MLA (Modern Language Association) is one of the most widely used citation styles in the humanities, including literature, film studies, and media studies.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite a movie in MLA style, including the essential components, formatting rules, and practical examples. We will also discuss common mistakes that students make when citing movies in MLA style, and offer tips and tricks to avoid them. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to cite a movie in MLA style correctly and efficiently.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
To cite a movie in MLA style, you need to include the following components in your citation:
– Director’s name(s)
– Movie title
– Performers’ names
– Studio or distributor
– Year of release
The general format of a movie citation in MLA style is as follows:
Director’s name(s). Movie title. Performers’ names, Studio or distributor, Year of release.
Let’s take a closer look at each component and how to format it in your citation:
– Director’s name(s): List the director’s name or names in the order they appear in the movie credits, followed by a period.
Example: Scorsese, Martin.
Note: If the movie has multiple directors, list them in the order they appear onscreen, separated by commas and the word “and.”
Example: Coen, Joel, and Ethan Coen.
– Movie title: Italicize the title of the movie and capitalize the first letter of each significant word, followed by a period.
Example: The Dark Knight.
– Performers’ names: List the names of the lead performers in the movie, followed by a comma.
Example: Ledger, Heath, and Christian Bale.
Note: If the movie has no specific performers, such as a documentary or an animated film, skip this component.
– Studio or distributor: List the name of the studio or distributor that produced or released the movie, followed by a comma.
Example: Warner Bros.
Note: If the movie was independently produced or distributed, you can skip this component or provide the name of the production company or website.
– Year of release: List the year the movie was originally released, followed by a period.
Example: 2008.
Now let’s see how to put these components together in a movie citation in MLA style:
Example: Scorsese, Martin. The Departed. Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Warner Bros, 2006.
III. Common Mistakes
Citing a movie in MLA style may seem straightforward, but there are several common mistakes that students often make, including incorrect formatting, missing information, and inconsistencies.
Here are some examples of these mistakes and how to correct them:
– Incomplete citation: Missing one or more essential components, such as the director’s name or the year of release.
Incorrect example: The Dark Knight. 2008.
Correct example: Nolan, Christopher. The Dark Knight. Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Warner Bros, 2008.
– Inconsistent formatting: Mixing up italics and quotation marks for the movie title or using capital letters incorrectly.
Incorrect example: “The Dark Knight,” warner Bros, 2008.
Correct example: Nolan, Christopher. The Dark Knight. Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Warner Bros, 2008.
– Wrong order: Listing the components in the wrong order or using a different punctuation mark.
Incorrect example: Nolan, Christopher. The Dark Knight, Warner Bros., Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, 2008.
Correct example: Nolan, Christopher. The Dark Knight. Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Warner Bros, 2008.
To avoid these mistakes, make sure to follow the formatting guidelines for MLA style closely, double-check your citation for accuracy and consistency, and refer to the MLA handbook or other credible sources for guidance.
IV. Examples
Here are some examples of movie citations in MLA style, arranged from simple to complex cases:
1. Simple DVD citation:
Example: Luhrmann, Baz. Moulin Rouge!. Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2001.
2. Streaming service citation:
Example: Gerwig, Greta. Little Women. Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Sony Pictures, 2019. Netflix.
3. Multiple performers citation:
Example: Nolan, Christopher. Inception. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Warner Bros, 2010.
4. Documentary citation:
Example: Morris, Errol. The Fog of War. Robert McNamara, Sony Pictures Classics, 2003.
5. Foreign language film citation:
Example: Nujoom Alghanem. Letters to a Young Poet. Dubai Film Market, 2014. Vimeo.
Note: If you are citing a foreign language film, provide the title in the original language and its English translation in parentheses after it.
V. FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about citing movies in MLA style:
– Do I need to include the running time of the movie?
No, the running time is optional in MLA style. If you decide to include it, follow this format: (running time).
Example: Miles, Darius. Sorry to Bother You. Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Annapurna Pictures, 2018. (105 min).
– How should I format the movie title in italics or quotation marks?
Italicize the title of the movie and capitalize the first letter of each significant word.
Example: Waititi, Taika. Thor: Ragnarok. Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett, Marvel Studios, 2017.
– What if the movie does not have a director or any performers?
If the movie has no specific director or performers, skip those components and begin the citation with the movie title.
Example: RBG. Betsy West, Julie Cohen, CNN Films, 2018.
VI. Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks for citing movies in MLA style:
– Use online citation generators or templates to save time and ensure accuracy, such as EasyBib, BibMe, or Citation Machine.
– Check the IMDb or other reliable sources for the correct titles, spellings, and other details, especially for foreign language films or rare movies.
– Double-check your citation with a peer, tutor, or professor to catch any errors or inconsistencies, especially if you are new to MLA style.
VII. Conclusion
Citing a movie in MLA style may seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can do it accurately and efficiently. By following the step-by-step guide, avoiding common mistakes, and using practical examples, you can create a solid and reliable movie citation for your academic writing. Remember that citing sources is not only an academic requirement but also a sign of respect for intellectual property and an ethical practice of scholarship. If you have further questions or concerns about citing movies in MLA style, consult your instructor or the MLA handbook for more information.