Citing movies correctly in your academic work is crucial for maintaining credibility and avoiding plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format provides a standardized system for acknowledging your sources, ensuring proper attribution to the filmmakers and their creative contributions. This article will guide you through the intricacies of citing movies within your text according to MLA guidelines, offering clarity and practical examples.
Understanding the Basics of MLA In-Text Citations for Movies
The core principle of MLA in-text citation is to provide a brief reference within your writing that directs the reader to a more comprehensive entry in your Works Cited page. For movies, this usually involves the title of the movie (or a shortened version if it’s lengthy) and, if applicable, a timestamp indicating the specific moment being referenced. Unlike citing books which focuses on page numbers, movies require time markers. The in-text citation should always correspond precisely with an entry on your Works Cited page.
Constructing Your In-Text Citation: Key Elements
There are several ways to structure your in-text citation for a movie, depending on the context of your writing. Here’s a breakdown of the most common scenarios:
Citing a Specific Scene or Moment
When you’re referencing a particular scene or line of dialogue, include the movie title (or a shortened version) and the timestamp (hour:minute:second) within parentheses.
- Example: In Casablanca, Rick’s famous line reflects a deep sense of resignation (“We’ll always have Paris” 01:42:15).
Citing the Movie as a Whole
If you’re discussing the movie in general terms, without referring to a specific moment, you can simply include the movie title (or a shortened version) in your sentence, and the Works Cited entry will provide the full details.
- Example: Citizen Kane is often praised for its innovative use of cinematography.
Using a Director’s Name
While less common for general references to movies, if the director’s influence is particularly relevant to your argument, you can include their name in your sentence. The Works Cited entry would then begin with the director’s name.
- Example: Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane is a landmark achievement in filmmaking.
Shortening Long Movie Titles
If a movie title is exceptionally long, you can use a shortened version in your in-text citations to improve readability. Just ensure that the shortened title is easily identifiable and matches the entry in your Works Cited page.
- Example: Instead of Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, you can use Dr. Strangelove (00:30:45) in your citations.
Handling Multiple Citations from the Same Movie
When you cite the same movie multiple times, continue to use the title (or shortened title) and timestamp for each citation. Avoid using “Ibid.” or similar abbreviations.
Works Cited Entry and In-Text Correlation
Remember, every in-text citation must have a corresponding entry in your Works Cited page. The information in the Works Cited entry allows the reader to find the source you are referencing. Make sure the title (or shortened title) in your in-text citation exactly matches the beginning of the relevant entry in your Works Cited list.
MLA In-Text Citation FAQs: Mastering the Nuances
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the MLA in-text citation process for movies:
FAQ 1: What if I’m citing a movie I watched on a streaming service like Netflix? Does the timestamp still apply?
Yes, the timestamp still applies, even if you watched the movie on a streaming service. Streaming services usually display a running timer, which you can use to determine the exact time of the scene or dialogue you’re referencing.
FAQ 2: How do I cite a movie that doesn’t have a clear title, like a short film that is simply called “Untitled”?
In this case, you should provide a descriptive title in brackets. For example, “[Untitled Documentary on Climate Change]” (00:05:20). Make sure this descriptive title is used consistently in both your in-text citations and Works Cited entry.
FAQ 3: If I am quoting dialogue from a movie, do I need to include quotation marks in my in-text citation?
Yes, you absolutely need to include quotation marks around the quoted dialogue. The in-text citation should follow the quotation marks, before the period at the end of the sentence.
FAQ 4: What if the movie I’m citing is a foreign film with an English translation of the title? Should I use the original title or the translated title in my citation?
Generally, use the translated title in your in-text citations and Works Cited entry, as this is the title most readers will recognize. However, you can include the original title in parentheses after the translated title in your Works Cited entry if you think it’s relevant.
FAQ 5: How do I cite a movie commentary track in my text?
You would treat the commentary track as a separate source. In your Works Cited entry, credit the commentator and specify that it’s a commentary track. Your in-text citation would then include the commentator’s name and the timestamp. For Example: (Spielberg 01:15:00).
FAQ 6: If a movie has multiple directors, how do I cite it in text?
If a movie has multiple directors, list all their names in the Works Cited entry, separated by commas. In your in-text citation, you can use the name of the first director listed followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). For example: (Coen et al. 00:22:30). However, you must list all directors in your Works Cited entry.
FAQ 7: Do I need to include the year of release in my in-text citation for a movie?
No, the year of release is not typically included in the in-text citation for a movie in MLA format. That information is reserved for the Works Cited entry.
FAQ 8: What if I am citing a documentary film? Does the citation format change?
The citation format for documentaries is the same as for fictional films. Include the title (or shortened title) and the timestamp in your in-text citations. The Works Cited entry will differentiate it as a documentary.
FAQ 9: If I am referring to a deleted scene that appears as extra content on a DVD or Blu-ray, how do I cite that?
Treat the deleted scene as a separate source. Include the title of the movie, followed by “Deleted Scene,” and then the timestamp. In your Works Cited entry, specify that it’s a deleted scene from the specified movie.
FAQ 10: How should I handle in-text citations if my essay focuses primarily on a single film?
Even if your essay centers on a single film, you still need in-text citations. This prevents plagiarism and clearly indicates the source of your specific claims or quoted material. This signals to the reader what comes directly from the film and what is your own analysis.
FAQ 11: What if I want to quote a line that is widely misattributed to a movie, but isn’t actually in the film itself?
Avoid quoting the line and attributing it to the movie. If the misattribution is relevant to your argument (e.g., discussing the myth surrounding the movie), acknowledge the misattribution in your writing and cite the source that confirms the misattribution.
FAQ 12: Where can I find more information about MLA citation guidelines for different types of sources?
The official MLA Handbook is the most comprehensive resource for MLA citation guidelines. Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) also offers excellent, free resources on MLA formatting and citation. Consulting these resources will ensure you are following the most up-to-date standards.