When citing a movie in text using MLA (Modern Language Association) style, you typically use the movie’s title (or a shortened version if it’s lengthy) or the director’s last name in parentheses, followed by the relevant page number or time stamp (if applicable). This brief in-text citation directly corresponds to a more detailed entry in your Works Cited list, providing readers with a clear pathway to the complete source information. The specific format varies slightly depending on whether you’re referencing a specific scene, dialogue, or the movie as a whole.
Understanding the Basics of MLA In-Text Citations for Movies
MLA in-text citations are concise references within your paper that point to the full source entries in your Works Cited page. They are essential for acknowledging your sources and avoiding plagiarism. For movies, the basic format involves identifying the movie or the director (depending on your focus) and adding any relevant location information (timestamp). Let’s break down the key elements:
- Title vs. Director: You can use either the movie title or the director’s last name in your citation. Choose whichever is most relevant and flows best with your writing. If you’re discussing the director’s specific vision, the director’s last name is likely more appropriate. If you’re simply referring to the film’s content, use the title.
- Timestamp: If you’re referencing a specific scene or dialogue, include the timestamp in the format (hours:minutes:seconds) or (minutes:seconds). This allows readers to locate the exact moment in the movie that you’re referencing.
- No Page Numbers: Unlike books or articles, movies don’t have page numbers. Therefore, you do not include page numbers in your MLA in-text citations for movies, unless you are citing the script.
- Abbreviated Titles: For longer movie titles, you can use an abbreviated version of the title in your in-text citation, as long as it’s clear which movie you’re referring to and that the full title appears in your Works Cited entry.
Example Scenarios
Here are a few examples to illustrate how to cite movies in text using MLA:
- Referencing the movie as a whole: “The use of color in The Grand Budapest Hotel creates a whimsical and nostalgic atmosphere (Anderson).”
- Referencing a specific scene: “The iconic ‘I’m flying’ scene in Titanic (Cameron, 02:17:30) perfectly captures the joy and freedom of Rose’s newfound love.”
- Referencing a dialogue exchange: “As Rick says to Ilsa in Casablanca, ‘We’ll always have Paris’ (Curtiz).”
Crafting Your Works Cited Entry for a Movie
The in-text citation always leads back to a corresponding entry in your Works Cited list. This entry provides the full bibliographic information for the movie. Here’s the basic format:
- Title of the Movie. Directed by Director’s First Name Last Name, Production Company, Year of Release.
Example:
- The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Castle Rock Entertainment, 1994.
Important Considerations for the Works Cited Entry
- Director’s Name: List the director’s name in the format “Directed by First Name Last Name.”
- Production Company: Include the primary production company involved in making the movie. This information can typically be found in the movie’s credits or on IMDb.
- Year of Release: State the year the movie was originally released.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Citing Movies in MLA
Here are some common questions about citing movies in MLA, along with detailed answers to help you navigate the nuances:
FAQ 1: What if the movie has multiple directors?
If a movie has multiple directors, list all of them in the Works Cited entry, separated by commas. In the in-text citation, you can use the first director’s last name, followed by “et al.”
Example Works Cited:
- The Man Who Would Be King. Directed by John Huston and Wolfgang Reinhardt, Allied Artists Pictures, 1975.
Example In-Text Citation:
- (Huston et al.)
FAQ 2: How do I cite a movie if I watched it online?
If you watched the movie online, include the platform (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video) where you streamed it at the end of your Works Cited entry.
Example:
- Parasite. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Barunson E&A, 2019. Netflix.
FAQ 3: What if I’m citing a specific actor’s performance?
If you’re focusing on an actor’s performance, you can mention the actor’s name in your text and still cite the movie using the title or director’s last name. While you technically cite the whole film as the source of the performance, highlighting the performer is important.
Example: “Marlon Brando’s powerful performance in A Streetcar Named Desire (Kazan) is a defining moment in cinematic history.”
FAQ 4: How do I cite a movie review?
To cite a movie review, treat it like any other article. Include the reviewer’s name (if known), the title of the review, the name of the publication, the date of publication, and the URL (if accessed online).
Example Works Cited:
- Scott, A.O. “‘Moonlight’ Review: A Tender, Heartbreaking Story of a Young Black Man’s Life.” The New York Times, 20 Oct. 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/10/21/movies/moonlight-review-a-tender-heartbreaking-story-of-a-young-black-mans-life.html.
Example In-Text Citation:
- (Scott)
FAQ 5: Can I use a shortened title in my in-text citation?
Yes, you can use a shortened title in your in-text citation, but make sure it’s easily recognizable and corresponds to the full title in your Works Cited entry. For instance, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring can be shortened to Fellowship of the Ring in the in-text citation.
FAQ 6: What if I’m citing a DVD or Blu-ray version of the movie?
If you’re citing a DVD or Blu-ray, you don’t need to include this information in your Works Cited entry unless it contains special features you’re referencing. In that case, list the specific feature.
FAQ 7: How do I cite a movie script?
To cite a published movie script, follow the MLA format for citing a book. Include the author (screenwriter), the title of the script, the publisher, and the year of publication. Page numbers would then be included in your in-text citation.
Example Works Cited:
- Tarantino, Quentin. Pulp Fiction: A Screenplay. Hyperion, 1994.
Example In-Text Citation:
- (Tarantino 56)
FAQ 8: What if I’m referencing behind-the-scenes commentary or interviews on a DVD?
If you’re citing commentary or interviews included on a DVD, treat them as separate works. In the Works Cited entry, list the speaker (if applicable), the title of the commentary or interview, the phrase “DVD,” and the title of the movie.
Example:
- Fincher, David. Commentary. DVD. Fight Club. 20th Century Fox, 1999.
FAQ 9: How do I cite a movie trailer?
Citing a movie trailer requires identifying the title of the trailer, the word “Trailer,” the website where it was found (e.g., YouTube), and the URL.
Example:
- Black Panther. Trailer. YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjDjIWPwcPU.
FAQ 10: Do I need to italicize the movie title in my in-text citation?
Yes, you should italicize the movie title in your in-text citation, just as you would in your Works Cited entry.
FAQ 11: What if the director is also the writer?
If the director is also the writer, you only need to list the director’s name once in the Works Cited entry.
FAQ 12: How do I cite a silent film?
Citing a silent film follows the same basic format as citing any other film. Include the title of the movie, the director, the production company, and the year of release. Timestamp in in-text citation if a particular scene is referenced.
By following these guidelines and addressing these common questions, you can confidently and accurately cite movies in your academic writing using MLA style. Remember consistency and clarity are key!