Knowing how to cite a film MLA style correctly is crucial for academic integrity. This straightforward guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your research is properly attributed and avoids plagiarism. We'll break down the essential elements and provide clear examples.
Key Components of an MLA Film Citation
A correctly formatted MLA film citation typically includes these elements:
- Director's Last Name, Director's First Name. Title of Film. Production Company, Year of Release.
Let's delve into each component and illustrate with examples.
1. Director's Name
Always begin with the director's last name followed by a comma and their first name. If there are multiple directors, list them in the order they appear in the film's credits, separated by commas.
Example:
- Spielberg, Steven.
2. Film Title
The title of the film is italicized. Capitalize all major words, just like a book title.
Example:
- Jaws
3. Production Company
This is the studio or company that produced the film. Sometimes, multiple companies are involved. List the primary production company.
Example:
- Universal Pictures
4. Year of Release
This is the year the film was initially released in theaters. Use the four-digit year.
Example:
- 1975
Putting it All Together: A Complete MLA Film Citation Example
Combining these elements, a complete MLA citation for Jaws would look like this:
Spielberg, Steven. Jaws. Universal Pictures, 1975.
Handling More Complex Scenarios
Sometimes, citing a film requires additional information. Here are some common scenarios and how to handle them:
Citing a Film from a Streaming Service
If you accessed the film through a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, you generally don't need to include the platform in your MLA citation. The core information (director, title, production company, year) remains the primary focus. However, if your professor specifically requests additional information, you may add the streaming service and access date in a separate note.
Citing a Version of a Film (Director's Cut, etc.)
If you're citing a specific version of a film (e.g., a director's cut), include that detail after the title.
Example:
Nolan, Christopher. The Dark Knight (Director's Cut). Warner Bros. Pictures, 2008.
Citing a Film with Multiple Directors
If a film has multiple directors, list them all in the order they appear in the credits, separated by commas.
Example:
Wachowski, Lana, and Lilly Wachowski. The Matrix. Warner Bros., 1999.
Beyond the Basics: Incorporating Film Citations into Your Work
Remember to integrate your film citations smoothly into your writing. Use them appropriately within your text to support your arguments and avoid plagiarism. Referencing a film in your text should include the director's last name and the film's title (italicized).
Example: As Spielberg masterfully depicts in Jaws, the fear of the unknown can be more terrifying than the known danger.
By following this straightforward guide, you'll be well-equipped to cite films correctly in MLA style, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of your academic work. Remember to always double-check your citations against the latest MLA guidelines.
