Guidelines for Integrating Movie References into Your Text Using MLA Citation Format

How to Cite a Movie in Text MLA

Citing a movie in MLA format is an essential skill for students and researchers who need to reference cinematic works in their academic writing. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original creators but also helps readers locate the source material. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing a movie in text using the MLA format.

Understanding MLA Format

Before diving into the specifics of citing a movie in MLA format, it is important to have a basic understanding of MLA guidelines. MLA (Modern Language Association) is a widely-accepted citation style used in the humanities, including literature, film studies, and cultural studies. The MLA format emphasizes the use of parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page.

Citing a Movie in Text

When citing a movie in text, you should include the author’s last name and the page number where the reference is found. If the movie has a screenwriter, that name should be used instead of the director’s name. Here’s an example:

“The film’s portrayal of the protagonist’s journey is both compelling and thought-provoking (Smith 45).

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In this example, “Smith” is the author’s last name, and “45” is the page number where the reference is found. If the movie does not have a screenwriter, you can use the director’s name instead:

“The movie’s innovative narrative structure stands out as a masterpiece in modern cinema (Jackson 67).

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Citing a Movie with No Director or Screenwriter

If the movie does not have a director or screenwriter, you can still cite it in MLA format. In this case, you would use the title of the movie in place of the author’s name:

“The epic tale of the ancient city is masterfully depicted in the film (The Ancient City 23).

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Citing a Movie with Multiple Screenwriters

If a movie has multiple screenwriters, list their names in alphabetical order, separated by commas:

“The complex relationships between the characters are skillfully crafted by the screenwriters (Smith, Johnson, and Lee 37).

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Using Quotes from a Movie

When quoting a movie directly in your text, you should use quotation marks and include the author’s last name and the page number. For example:

“‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do’ is a powerful message from the film (Smith 15).

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Works Cited Page

Finally, it is essential to include the movie in your Works Cited page. The format for citing a movie in MLA format is as follows:

Smith, John. Film Title. Directed by Jane Doe. Production Company, 2010.

In this example, “John Smith” is the author’s last name, “Jane Doe” is the director’s name, and “Production Company” is the production company responsible for the film. The year of release is also included.

Conclusion

Citing a movie in MLA format is a crucial aspect of academic writing. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and professional. Remember to always include the author’s name, page number, and the title of the movie when citing a movie in text using MLA format.