Quoting movies in MLA style demands precision, ensuring clarity and attribution. The process involves providing the speaker, the exact dialogue, and comprehensive citation details within the works cited list, allowing readers to easily locate the source material.
Decoding Movie Citations: The MLA Blueprint
Successfully quoting movies in academic writing using Modern Language Association (MLA) style hinges on understanding its core principles: accurate attribution and seamless integration. While seemingly straightforward, navigating the nuances of quoting dialogue, describing scenes, and crafting the Works Cited entry requires careful attention. This article will illuminate the process, transforming you from a novice quoter to a citation virtuoso.
Quoting Dialogue Like a Pro
The heart of quoting a movie lies in accurately transcribing the dialogue. Here’s how to capture those iconic lines while adhering to MLA guidelines:
Short Quotes (Fewer Than Four Lines)
For short, impactful lines, integrate the quote directly into your text using double quotation marks.
Example: As Rick famously declares in Casablanca, “We’ll always have Paris.”
Remember to cite the source immediately after the quote using an in-text citation. This typically includes the speaker’s name (if known) and the time stamp of the line within the film.
Example: As Rick famously declares in Casablanca, “We’ll always have Paris” (Bogart, 00:32:15).
If the speaker is not clear, use a descriptive phrase or character name.
Example: The narrator sets the scene, stating, “It was a dark and stormy night” (Narrator, 00:01:20).
Long Quotes (Four or More Lines)
For longer quotes, exceeding four lines, use a block quote. Indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin, double-space it, and omit quotation marks.
Example:
In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy poignantly expresses her longing for home:
There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.
There’s no place like home.
(Garland, 01:30:00)
The in-text citation follows the final line of the block quote, placed outside the ending punctuation.
Describing Scenes
Sometimes, instead of directly quoting dialogue, you need to describe a visual scene. In these cases, focus on precise language and clear imagery. You don’t need quotation marks, but you still need to cite the source.
Example:
The climactic battle scene is a chaotic display of explosions and gunfire (Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan, 01:50:00).
Crafting the Works Cited Entry: The Movie’s Resume
The Works Cited entry provides complete bibliographic information, allowing readers to locate the film. The basic format is:
Title of Movie. Directed by Director’s Name, Production Company, Year of Release.
Example:
Casablanca. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros., 1942.
Variations on the Theme: Tailoring Your Entry
Depending on your focus, you might need to adjust the Works Cited entry. For example, if you are analyzing a specific actor’s performance, you could start the entry with the actor’s name.
Example:
Hepburn, Audrey, performer. Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Directed by Blake Edwards, Paramount Pictures, 1961.
If you viewed the film on a streaming service, include that information after the year of release.
Example:
Parasite. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, CJ Entertainment, 2019. Netflix, www.netflix.com/title/80993916. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
FAQs: Untangling Citation Complexities
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify any remaining uncertainties about citing movies in MLA style:
FAQ 1: How do I cite a movie if I don’t know the director’s name?
If the director’s name is unavailable, simply omit that part of the Works Cited entry. Begin directly with the title of the movie.
FAQ 2: What if I’m quoting from a screenplay instead of the actual film?
Cite the screenplay as you would any other book or document. Include the author (screenwriter), title of the screenplay, publisher (if available), and year of publication.
FAQ 3: How do I cite a movie scene without any dialogue?
Describe the scene accurately and cite the movie using the director’s name, movie title, and specific timestamp of the scene, just like quoting dialogue.
FAQ 4: How do I cite a film series (e.g., the Harry Potter series)?
You can cite the entire series by referring to it generally in your text. If you’re quoting from a specific film within the series, cite that individual film.
FAQ 5: What if the movie has multiple directors?
List all the directors’ names, separated by commas, after “Directed by.”
FAQ 6: Can I use streaming service URLs directly in my in-text citations?
No, in-text citations should only include the speaker (if known) and the timestamp. The streaming service URL belongs only in the Works Cited entry.
FAQ 7: How do I cite a subtitled foreign film?
Cite the film by its original title. In your writing, you can use the translated title, but always include the original title in the Works Cited entry.
FAQ 8: If I’m citing a DVD, do I need to include that information?
Yes, if the DVD is a significant aspect of your analysis (e.g., bonus features), include “DVD” in your Works Cited entry after the year of release.
FAQ 9: What if the time stamp is approximate?
If you are unsure of the exact timestamp, use “approx.” before the time in your in-text citation. For example: (Bogart, approx. 00:32:15).
FAQ 10: How do I cite a movie trailer?
Cite the trailer like you would a short film, including the title of the trailer (often “Trailer” followed by the movie title), the director (if known), the production company, and the year of release.
FAQ 11: Should I italicize or put the movie title in quotation marks within my main text?
Italicize the title of the movie in your text.
FAQ 12: What if I want to emphasize a part of the quoted dialogue?
If you want to emphasize a word or phrase within a quoted line, italicize it and add “[emphasis added]” after the citation. For example: “We’ll always have Paris” (Bogart, 00:32:15) [emphasis added].
Final Cut: Ensuring Accuracy and Impact
Mastering MLA movie citations elevates your academic writing, lending credibility and depth to your analysis. By carefully following these guidelines, you can seamlessly integrate cinematic references, enriching your arguments and showcasing your scholarly rigor. Remember that accuracy is paramount, so double-check all details before submitting your work. Embrace the art of citation, and let your writing shine!