In-text citing a movie in MLA style requires providing enough information for your reader to locate the full entry in your Works Cited page, typically the title and the time range you are referencing. This guide breaks down the process, offering examples and addressing common questions to ensure your citations are accurate and compliant with the Modern Language Association’s latest standards.
Understanding the Basics of MLA In-Text Citation
MLA in-text citations are concise references within the body of your work that point to the source material listed in your Works Cited page. The primary goal is clarity and brevity, allowing readers to quickly identify the source without interrupting the flow of your writing. For movies, this can be a little trickier than citing a book or article, but by understanding the key components, you can easily master the process. The MLA Handbook (9th edition) provides detailed guidelines on various citation styles, including audio-visual materials like films.
Core Elements: Title and Time Range
The most common approach involves using the movie’s title (or a shortened version) and the time stamp(s) where the information is located in the film. If you’re citing a specific moment, include the minute and second. If you are referencing a broader span, you might provide a range.
Example:
“The film’s visual style, characterized by stark lighting, foreshadows the tragic events to come (“Casablanca” 0:15:30-0:17:00).”
In this example, “Casablanca” refers to the movie title, and “0:15:30-0:17:00” indicates the time range (15 minutes, 30 seconds to 17 minutes, 0 seconds) within the film where the cited information is found.
Title Variations and Considerations
If the movie title is already mentioned in your sentence, you can simply include the time range in parentheses:
Example:
“As shown in Casablanca, the airport scene is filled with palpable tension (0:45:22).”
When citing a film in multiple instances, you can further shorten the in-text citation after the first complete citation. If the context makes the reference clear, you can even omit the movie title altogether and rely solely on the time range.
Example:
(0:52:10)
This is particularly useful when discussing a single film extensively throughout your paper. However, ensure that it remains clear to your reader which film you are referencing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Citing Movies in MLA
This section addresses common questions about in-text citing movies in MLA format.
FAQ 1: What if the Movie Title is Very Long?
Use a shortened version of the title in your in-text citation. For example, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” could be shortened to “Pirates.” Ensure the shortened title corresponds to the entry in your Works Cited page.
FAQ 2: How Do I Cite a Scene that Lasts a Significant Amount of Time?
Provide a broader time range that accurately represents the duration of the scene. For example, if the scene runs from 10 minutes to 15 minutes, your citation would look like this: (“Movie Title” 0:10:00-0:15:00).
FAQ 3: Do I Need to Include the Director’s Name in the In-Text Citation?
No, the director’s name is not typically included in the in-text citation for a film in MLA format. It is, however, crucial information for the Works Cited entry.
FAQ 4: What if I am Citing Dialogue from a Movie?
Cite the title of the movie and the time range where the dialogue occurs. Ensure the dialogue is accurately transcribed and properly quoted.
Example:
“As Rick famously states, ‘We’ll always have Paris’ (“Casablanca” 1:42:15).”
FAQ 5: How Do I Cite a Specific Shot or Visual Element in a Movie?
Similar to citing dialogue, cite the title of the movie and the time range where the shot or visual element appears. Be descriptive in your analysis of the visual element within your text.
FAQ 6: What if I’m Analyzing the Entire Movie, Rather Than Specific Scenes?
In this case, you may only need to include the title of the film in your in-text citations, especially if you are discussing the entire movie comprehensively. You can also include a general timeframe for specific observations.
Example:
“The film explores themes of loss and redemption (“Movie Title”).”
Or:
“The film explores themes of loss and redemption, particularly in the latter half (“Movie Title,” latter half).”
FAQ 7: How do I cite a movie I streamed online?
The citation remains the same using the movie title and timeframe, but include streaming service in the Works Cited entry, and the URL if accessed online. For in-text citations, the title and timestamp remains the most crucial.
FAQ 8: What if I am citing a commentary track on the movie?
You still cite the movie title and timestamp, but indicate that you are citing the commentary track within the in-text citation or in your prose.
Example:
“The director explains his intentions in the commentary (“Movie Title,” director’s commentary, 0:22:30).”
FAQ 9: How do I cite a movie scene that I only heard about and haven’t seen?
Avoid citing content you haven’t directly experienced. Rely on secondary sources that have analyzed the scene instead, and cite them accordingly. It’s best practice to view the scene directly to ensure accuracy and understanding.
FAQ 10: Can I use chapter markers instead of timestamps?
While timestamps are preferred for their precision, you can use chapter markers if the DVD or Blu-ray provides them clearly and consistently. Indicate this in your citation: (“Movie Title,” ch. 3).
FAQ 11: What if the movie is in a foreign language?
Use the original title in your in-text citation and Works Cited entry. If you are translating the dialogue or describing visual elements, acknowledge that you are providing your own translation or interpretation in your writing.
FAQ 12: What happens if there are multiple versions of the movie (e.g., director’s cut, theatrical release)?
Specify which version you are referencing in your Works Cited entry, and maintain consistency throughout your citations. For example: (“Movie Title [Director’s Cut]” 0:30:00).
Constructing Your Works Cited Entry
While this article focuses on in-text citation, remember that a complete Works Cited entry is essential. A basic entry for a film should include:
- Title of the movie (in italics)
- Director
- Distributor
- Year of release
Example:
- Casablanca. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros., 1942.
Include additional information like streaming service, writers, or actors if relevant to your analysis. Consult the MLA Handbook for specific guidance on crafting comprehensive Works Cited entries.
Conclusion
Mastering MLA in-text citation for movies ensures the credibility and clarity of your academic writing. By focusing on the essential elements – the title and the time range – and understanding the variations discussed in this guide, you can confidently and accurately cite movies in your research papers. Remember to consult the official MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines and best practices.