Quoting a movie in APA style demands meticulous attention to detail. The fundamental principle is to provide your reader with enough information to easily locate the specific scene and understand the context from which the quote is taken, mirroring the precision expected when citing print sources. This involves crafting a reference list entry for the film itself and then using in-text citations that pinpoint the exact moment the quote occurs.
Understanding the Core Principles of APA Movie Citations
Mastering APA movie citations isn’t about memorizing a complex formula; it’s about grasping the underlying principles. APA style emphasizes giving credit where it’s due and enabling readers to verify your sources. Therefore, both the reference list entry and the in-text citation serve crucial roles.
Reference List Entry: The Foundation
The reference list entry for a movie provides the essential identifying information. It follows a general format that can be adapted to different types of films and sources. A typical reference list entry for a film will include:
- Director(s): List the director(s) followed by “(Director(s))”.
- Year of Release: The year the film was originally released.
- Title of the Film: Italicize the title.
- Production Company: The primary production company.
Here’s an example:
Scott, R. (Director). (1982). Blade Runner [Film]. The Ladd Company; Warner Bros.
In-Text Citations: Pinpointing the Quote
The in-text citation is your tool for directing readers to the exact moment the quote appears in the film. This requires identifying a specific timestamp. Ideally, you’ll use hours, minutes, and seconds (e.g., 00:32:15). However, if only minutes and seconds are available or relevant, that’s acceptable too (e.g., 32:15). If you are describing a general scene and not quoting, include the scene number and a brief description, or a timestamp referring to the start of the scene.
Here are some examples of in-text citations:
- (Scott, 1982, 00:45:20)
- (Scott, 1982, 45:20)
- (Scott, 1982, Scene 5, Deckard’s apartment)
Mastering Specific Citation Scenarios
While the core principles remain consistent, the nuances of APA citation style come into play when dealing with various scenarios, such as quoting dialogue from specific characters, citing different versions of the film, or referencing commentaries.
Quoting Dialogue from Specific Characters
When quoting dialogue, it is not an APA requirement to specify the character speaking; the film’s context should already make this clear. However, for clarity, you can integrate the character’s name into the surrounding sentence, especially when different characters are in conversation. For example: “Deckard ominously notes, ‘Tears in rain…’ (Scott, 1982, 01:50:10).”
Citing Different Versions of the Film
If you are citing a specific cut or version of the film (e.g., a director’s cut or extended edition), make sure to include this information in your reference list entry, typically after the title, in square brackets. For example:
Scott, R. (Director). (1982). Blade Runner: The Final Cut [Film]. The Ladd Company; Warner Bros.
Referencing Film Commentaries
To cite a film commentary, focus the reference on the person giving the commentary. If the commentator is the director, the structure remains similar to the standard film citation, but indicate the commentary in brackets. For example:
Scott, R. (Director, Commentator). (1982). Blade Runner [Director’s commentary]. The Ladd Company; Warner Bros.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What if the director is unknown?
If the director is unknown, replace the director’s name with the production company or the entity primarily responsible for the film’s creation. The format remains: (Production Company, Year, Timestamp).
FAQ 2: How do I cite a streaming service version of a film?
If you are watching a film on a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, the reference list entry remains largely the same. You do not include the name of the streaming service. Focus on the original film’s information.
FAQ 3: What if there are multiple directors?
List all directors in the order they appear in the film’s credits, separated by commas. For example: Scott, R., & Villeneuve, D. (Directors). (2017). Blade Runner 2049…
FAQ 4: Do I need to include the country of origin in the reference list entry?
No, the country of origin is generally not required in the APA style reference list entry for a film.
FAQ 5: How specific do I need to be with the timestamp?
Aim for the most precise timestamp possible (hours:minutes:seconds). However, if only minutes and seconds are feasible or sufficient for your analysis, that’s acceptable. Err on the side of precision.
FAQ 6: Can I use chapter markers instead of timestamps?
While timestamps are preferred, chapter markers can be used if timestamps are unavailable and the chapters are clearly defined and numbered in the film’s media (e.g., on a DVD menu). For example, (Scott, 1982, Chapter 3).
FAQ 7: What if I am discussing the film generally and not quoting specific dialogue?
If you’re discussing the film broadly without direct quotes, simply cite the film’s reference list entry in your in-text citation: (Scott, 1982). You can add a brief description of the scene number if you are referring to a specific event.
FAQ 8: How do I cite a scene if I can’t find a precise timestamp?
Describe the scene clearly and reference the general part of the movie where it occurs (e.g., “early in the film” or “near the end”). You can also state the amount of time elapsed since the film’s start: (Scott, 1982, approximately 30 minutes in).
FAQ 9: What about citing documentaries?
Citing documentaries follows a similar format to citing films. Include the director(s) (or producer(s) if the director is not readily available), year, title, and production company. The timestamp rule remains the same for direct quotes.
FAQ 10: Is it okay to paraphrase dialogue from a film?
Yes, paraphrasing is perfectly acceptable. When paraphrasing, cite the film using the same format as direct quotes, indicating the relevant timestamp: (Scott, 1982, 01:10:00).
FAQ 11: How should I format the reference list entry if I viewed the movie on Blu-ray?
The reference list entry format remains unchanged regardless of the media format (Blu-ray, DVD, digital file). Focus on the original film’s production details.
FAQ 12: What if the movie’s title is in a foreign language?
Retain the original title of the film, italicized. If necessary for clarity, you can provide an English translation in square brackets after the original title, but this is not required by APA.
By mastering these principles and addressing these common questions, you can confidently and accurately cite movies in APA style, enhancing the credibility and clarity of your academic work. Remember that consistency is key. Apply these rules consistently throughout your paper to maintain a professional and scholarly tone. By meticulously following these guidelines, you demonstrate a commitment to academic integrity and scholarly precision, thereby strengthening your arguments and solidifying your reputation as a careful and reliable researcher.