How to Cite a Movie in MLA Style: A Simple Guide

Citing Movies in MLA Style: A Step-by-Step Guide

When writing a research paper in MLA format, it's essential to include proper citations for sources, including movies. Citing a movie can seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you'll learn how to do it easily and consistently.

Tip 1: Understanding the Basics of Movie Citations

To cite a movie in MLA style, you need to provide the following information:

• Title of the movie
• Director's name (if applicable)
• Year of release
• Medium of publication (e.g., film, DVD)

This is the basic structure for citing movies in MLA format.

Tip 2: In-Text Citations

When incorporating a quote or paraphrasing from a movie into your paper, you'll need to include an in-text citation. The general format for an in-text citation is:

(Movie title, Director's name, Year of release)

For example: "In The Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont, 1994), the character Andy Dufresne says, 'Get busy living or get busy dying.'"

Tip 3: Full Citations

When your paper requires a full citation for the movie, you'll need to provide more information:

• Movie title
• Director's name
• Year of release
• Medium of publication (e.g., film, DVD)
• Production company
• Distribution company

Here's an example: Frank Darabont, The Shawshank Redemption. Film, Warner Bros., 1994.

Tip 4: Examples of Movie Citations

Here are a few more examples to illustrate how to cite different types of movies:

• Film: Frank Oz, The Muppet Movie. Film, 20th Century Fox, 1979.
• DVD: Steven Spielberg, Jaws. DVD, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2000.
• Documentary: Errol Morris, The Thin Blue Line. DVD, First Look Pictures, 1998.

Tip 5: Online Sources

If you're citing a movie that is available online (e.g., streaming services), you'll need to include the URL or title of the platform where you accessed it:

Frank Darabont, The Shawshank Redemption. Film, Warner Bros., 1994. YouTube, accessed January 10, 2023.

Conclusion

Citing movies in MLA format is a relatively straightforward process once you understand the basics. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you'll be able to properly cite movies in your research papers with ease. Remember to always check the MLA Handbook or online resources for specific guidelines on citing movies in different situations.