How To Write Movie Titles in MLA: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a research paper or essay often involves citing films. Knowing how to correctly format movie titles within the MLA style guide is crucial for academic integrity and a polished presentation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of MLA movie title formatting, ensuring your citations are always accurate and consistent.

Understanding MLA Formatting Basics

Before diving into movie titles specifically, let’s establish the fundamental principles of MLA formatting. MLA (Modern Language Association) style is widely used in humanities disciplines. It emphasizes clear, concise writing and consistent citation practices. Consistency is key; follow the rules meticulously throughout your entire paper.

Key Elements of MLA In-Text Citations

In-text citations, brief references within your text, are essential. They direct the reader to your Works Cited page, where the full citation details reside. These typically include the author’s last name and page number (e.g., (Smith 12)). For films, however, the process is slightly different.

Formatting Movie Titles in MLA: The Rules

The core rule for formatting movie titles in MLA is simple: Italicize the title. This visually distinguishes the movie title from the surrounding text, making it easily identifiable. This applies to all instances of the title within your paper, whether in the body or your Works Cited page.

Examples of Correct Movie Title Formatting

Let’s look at some examples:

  • “The cinematic masterpiece, Casablanca, perfectly captures the essence of wartime romance.”
  • “In Citizen Kane, Orson Welles revolutionized filmmaking techniques.”
  • “I analyzed the symbolism in The Godfather for my film studies paper.”

Notice how each movie title is italicized. This clear distinction is crucial for proper MLA formatting.

Handling Titles Within Titles

Occasionally, you’ll encounter titles within titles, such as a film within a film or a documentary about a specific movie. In these cases, maintain the italicization for the main movie title but use quotation marks for the nested title.

Example of Nested Titles

“The documentary, The Making of Citizen Kane, explores the challenges faced during the production of Orson Welles’s iconic film, Citizen Kane.”

Citing Movies in Your Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is the cornerstone of MLA style. It lists all the sources you’ve referenced in your paper, providing comprehensive details for each. The formatting for a film entry is as follows:

Correct MLA Citation for Films

Director’s Last Name, Director’s First Name. Title of Film. Studio, Year.

For instance:

Coppola, Francis Ford. The Godfather. Paramount Pictures, 1972.

Dealing with Documentaries and Short Films

The formatting for documentaries and short films remains consistent with the general rules for feature films. Italicize the title, and include all necessary information in your Works Cited entry.

Specifics for Documentaries and Shorts

Remember to include the distributor or production company in your Works Cited entry, just as you would for a feature film.

Handling Foreign Language Films

When citing foreign language films, include the original title in italics, followed by the English translation in parentheses.

Example: Foreign Language Film Citation

Kurosawa, Akira. Seven Samurai (Shichinin no samurai). Toho Company, 1954.

For films accessed via streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, or online databases like IMDb, include the platform name in your Works Cited entry.

Example: Streaming Service Citation

Spielberg, Steven. Jaws. Universal Pictures, 1975. Netflix, [Date Accessed].

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many students make common errors when citing movies in MLA. Remember to italicize the title, always include the director’s name, and double-check the year of release. Inconsistency is a major pitfall, so maintain a consistent style throughout your work.

Mastering MLA Movie Citations: Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master MLA movie citation is through consistent practice. Review the examples provided, and apply the rules to your own citations. Don’t hesitate to consult the official MLA Handbook for any clarification.

Conclusion

Successfully citing movies in MLA format involves understanding the basic principles of MLA style, specifically the importance of italicizing movie titles, and applying these rules consistently throughout your work. By accurately citing films in your text and Works Cited page, you maintain academic integrity and present a polished, professional piece of writing. Remembering the key elements — director’s name, film title (italicized), studio, and year — will ensure your citations are always correct and compliant with MLA guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if a movie doesn’t have a listed director? If the director is unavailable, use the name of the production company in place of the director’s name.

How do I cite a TV movie? Treat a TV movie like a regular movie, but include the network or channel in the Works Cited entry.

Can I use shortened movie titles in my essay? While you can refer to a film by its shortened title in the body of your essay, always use the full title in your Works Cited page.

What if I am citing a film adaptation of a book? Cite both the film and the book separately in your Works Cited page. Ensure both citations follow MLA guidelines.

How do I cite a movie trailer? Citing a movie trailer is less common, but you would treat it similarly to a film, including the platform where it was accessed (e.g., YouTube). However, be sure to note in your essay that it is a trailer and not the actual film.