Citing movie quotes correctly in MLA format is crucial for academic integrity and giving credit to the creative minds behind cinematic masterpieces. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of MLA citation rules for film quotes, ensuring accuracy and clarity in your research.
The Definitive Answer: Citing Movie Quotes in MLA
To cite a movie quote in MLA format, you must provide in-text citations and include a corresponding entry in your Works Cited list. The in-text citation typically includes the time stamp where the quote appears within the film, formatted as (00:00:00). The Works Cited entry will provide full details about the film, including the title, director, distributor, and year of release. The specific format varies slightly depending on whether you’re citing a direct quote, paraphrasing, or referring to a specific scene.
Building Your Citation: In-Text Citations Explained
Mastering the in-text citation is fundamental to academic rigor. Here’s a breakdown of the nuances:
Short Quotes (Less Than 4 Lines)
When quoting a short passage from a film (less than four lines), integrate it directly into your text, using quotation marks. The in-text citation should immediately follow the quote.
Example: As Rick Blaine famously states in Casablanca, “We’ll always have Paris” (00:45:12).
Long Quotes (More Than 4 Lines)
For longer quotations (four lines or more), use a block quote. Indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin. Omit quotation marks. The in-text citation follows the last line of the block quote, separated by a period.
Example:
Throughout The Dark Knight, Batman grapples with the moral implications of his actions:
You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. I can do those things, because I’m not a hero. Not like Dent. I killed those people. That’s what I can be.
(01:32:56)
Paraphrasing and Summarizing
Even when paraphrasing or summarizing a scene or dialogue, you still need to cite the source. Provide an in-text citation with the relevant time stamp.
Example: The iconic bar scene in Casablanca highlights Rick’s emotional detachment (00:40:00).
Citing a Specific Character
When attributing a quote to a specific character, you can include their name within the sentence before the quote or within the parenthetical citation.
Example: As Yoda wisely said, “Do or do not. There is no try” ( Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, 00:50:23). OR “Do or do not. There is no try” (Yoda, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Strikes Back, 00:50:23).
Crafting Your Works Cited Entry: The Full Picture
The Works Cited entry provides complete bibliographic information about the film.
Basic Structure
The fundamental structure for a movie entry in MLA Works Cited is:
Director’s Last Name, First Name, director. Title of Movie. Distributor, Year of Release.
Example:
Nolan, Christopher, director. The Dark Knight. Warner Bros., 2008.
Additional Information
You can include other relevant information if necessary, such as writers, performers, or format (e.g., DVD, streaming).
Example (including writers):
Wachowskis, Lana and Lilly, directors. The Matrix. Written by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski, Warner Bros., 1999.
Example (including performer):
Fincher, David, director. The Social Network. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Columbia Pictures, 2010.
Citing a Movie Viewed Online
If you watched the movie online (e.g., on Netflix or Amazon Prime), include the name of the streaming service in the citation.
Example:
Spielberg, Steven, director. Raiders of the Lost Ark. Paramount Pictures, 1981. Netflix, www.netflix.com. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.
FAQs: Addressing Common Citation Quandaries
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify movie citation in MLA:
FAQ 1: Do I always need a time stamp?
Yes, providing a time stamp is a crucial element of citing movies in MLA. It allows your readers to quickly locate the specific moment you are referencing. Without a time stamp, your citation is incomplete.
FAQ 2: What if I can’t find the exact time stamp?
If pinpointing the precise moment is difficult, provide the closest possible time stamp. Accuracy is essential, but an approximation is better than omitting it altogether.
FAQ 3: Can I cite a movie scene in general without a specific quote?
Yes, you can cite a scene in general. Instead of a direct quote, describe the scene and include a time stamp that indicates the beginning of the scene.
FAQ 4: How do I cite a movie soundtrack?
To cite a movie soundtrack, treat it like an album. Include the composer’s name, the album title (which is the movie title), the record label, and the year of release. If citing a specific track, include the track title in quotation marks before the album title.
FAQ 5: What if the director is unknown?
If the director is unknown, you can omit that element from the Works Cited entry. Begin with the title of the movie.
FAQ 6: How do I cite a documentary film?
Cite a documentary film the same way you would cite a feature film, including the director, title, distributor, and year.
FAQ 7: What if a movie has multiple directors?
If a movie has multiple directors, list them in the order they appear on the film credits, separated by “and.”
FAQ 8: How do I cite a deleted scene from a movie?
Cite the scene, mentioning in parentheses that it is a deleted scene and specifying the source (e.g., DVD extras). Provide a time stamp if available.
FAQ 9: What if I’m using a foreign film with subtitles?
Cite the film as you normally would, but mention in your text or a footnote that you are using subtitles. The time stamp should correspond to the subtitles you are viewing.
FAQ 10: Is it necessary to include the country of origin in the citation?
Including the country of origin is generally not necessary unless it is crucial for understanding the context of the film.
FAQ 11: What if the movie is based on a book? Should I cite the book too?
If the movie is based on a book and you are discussing the adaptation, it is good practice to cite both the movie and the book.
FAQ 12: How important is it to follow MLA format exactly?
Following MLA format precisely is extremely important for academic credibility. Pay close attention to punctuation, capitalization, and spacing. Consistent and accurate citation practices demonstrate your commitment to scholarly integrity. Utilize online MLA citation generators and consult the official MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines, and you’ll be citing films like a pro in no time!