Citing a Movie in MLA: A Comprehensive Guide
Citing a movie in MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a crucial aspect of academic writing, particularly in the humanities. When referencing a movie, you need to provide your readers with accurate and consistent information, including the title, director, production company, release date, and other relevant details. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of citing a movie in MLA format, including the general guidelines, specific citation styles, and common exceptions.
General Guidelines for Citing a Movie in MLA
The MLA format for citing a movie involves providing the title of the movie in title case, followed by the director's last name, first name, and the production company. The release date is also essential, as it helps readers understand the historical context of the movie. Here's a general outline of the MLA format for citing a movie:
- Title of the movie in title case
- Director's last name, first name (e.g., Spielberg, Steven)
- Production company
- Release date (day month year)
For example:
The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Warner Bros. Pictures, 14 September 1994.
Citing a Movie with Multiple Directories or Production Companies
When a movie has multiple directors or production companies, you need to separate them with commas and provide each one in the same format as mentioned earlier. For example:
The Avengers. Directed by Joss Whedon, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, 4 May 2012.
Citing a Documentary or a Short Film
The MLA format for citing a documentary or a short film is similar to that of a feature film, with a few exceptions. For documentaries, you should include the producer's name instead of the director's name. For short films, you should include the runtime in addition to the release date.
For example:
The Cove. Produced by Louis Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens, Lionsgate, 22 May 2009.
The Jacket. Directed by François Truffaut, Twentieth Century-Fox, 20 January 1961. 32 min.
Citing a Movie with No Director or Production Company
In rare cases, a movie may have no director or production company listed. In such cases, you can omit the director's name or the production company and focus on the title, release date, and other relevant information.
For example:
The December Boys. Warner Bros. Pictures, 14 December 2007.
Common Exceptions and Special Cases
There are some exceptions and special cases to be aware of when citing a movie in MLA format. For example:
- When citing a movie from a specific region or language, you may need to include additional information, such as the country or language of origin.
- When citing a movie with a non-standard title, you may need to include the original title in parentheses, followed by the title in the preferred language.
- When citing a movie with a unique release date or runtime, you may need to include additional information, such as the premiere date or the runtime.
Conclusion
Citing a movie in MLA format may seem daunting, but by following the general guidelines and specific citation styles outlined in this article, you'll be well-equipped to handle even the most challenging cases. Remember to provide your readers with accurate and consistent information, and don't hesitate to consult the MLA Handbook or online resources for further guidance.
