The Best Aide On How to Cite a Movie in MLA Format With Top Examples

Knowing how to reference movies in professional and educational work correctly is crucial regardless if you’re a learner, a scholar, or merely a movie buff. MLA style gives rules for proper uniform citations, enabling visitors to identify your sources and providing acknowledgment to the genuine writers. 

This blog will explore how to cite movies in MLA format, including in-text references, works cited entries, and unusual circumstances like streaming platforms and DVD releases. Join us as we explore the complexities of MLA movie citation and assist you in navigating this critical component of scholarly writing.

What Is The MLA Movie Citation Format?

MLA stands for Modern Language Association which is nothing but a set of predefined rules that are used for citations. The rules will include citing a text (books, authors, journals), media (such as movies, TV shows, or videos), and so on. 

When citing a movie in MLA format, you need to fill in the appropriate elements in the right place. The citation generally begins with the name of the writer, but since there are multiple people involved in the making of a film, you can start citing the movie’s title. The director’s name is included as a contributor after the film’s title. 

Title. Contributors, Version, Publisher, Year.

Other Related Contributors

As with TV shows, you can include other collaborators if appropriate. For instance, if your article cites individual performances, you may cite the performers; if you describe the movie’s graphics, you may refer to the filmmaker’s name. 

Analyze the role of each contributor and segregate them with the help of commas. 

Example: 

Jonathan Glazer, director. 

Under the Skin. Directed by Jonathan Glazer, performance by Scarlett Johansson, music by Mica Levi, BFI / Film4, 2013.

Darabont, Frank, director. The Shawshank Redemption. Perf. Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler. Castle Rock Entertainment, Warner Bros., 1994.

How To Cite Online Movies?

Enter the essential information to create an MLA Works Cited entry. An MLA citation typically begins with the name of the writer, but since movies are generated by various persons, the citation starts with the movie’s title. The director is listed as a contributor after the title.

As with TV shows, you can include other collaborators if appropriate. For instance, if your article cites individual performances, you may note the performers; if you describe the movie’s graphics, you might mention the cinematographer.

Specify every contributor’s function and divide them with commas.

Example: 

Under the Skin. Directed by Jonathan Glazer, performance by Scarlett Johansson, music by Mica Levi, BFI / Film4, 2013.

If your description of the film concentrates primarily on one contribution (for example, the filmmaker or a performer), you can put their name at the beginning of the citation instead of the author.

Conclusion

Finally, understanding the art of MLA movie citation is a vital ability that will improve the reliability and credibility of your educational and professional work. By adhering to the MLA’s criteria, you guarantee that your audience may readily locate and check the materials you utilized, indicating your dedication to scholarly integrity.

Attention to detail and respect for the proper structure is essential when mentioning a movie in the body of your article or establishing a comprehensive record in your works referenced page.

Note that correct and consistent reference not only demonstrates your research abilities but also recognizes the directors’ efforts and preserves intellectual property. So, harness the strength of MLA movie citations to improve the standard of the work you produce.