In-text citations for movies in MLA style are concise references that direct readers to the full entry in your Works Cited page. They typically include a shortened version of the movie title and, if necessary, a timestamp indicating the specific moment being referenced.
Understanding MLA In-Text Citation Basics
MLA (Modern Language Association) style emphasizes brevity and clarity in its citation methods. The goal is to provide enough information for readers to easily locate the full source entry in your Works Cited list without interrupting the flow of your writing. With movies, which often lack clearly defined authors, this requires a slightly different approach than citing books or journal articles.
Citing a Movie in the Body of Your Paper
The core principle remains the same: identify the source clearly and economically. Here’s how to do it for movies:
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Using the Movie Title: If you’re referring to the movie generally, or quoting dialogue, include the title in parentheses after the sentence. Use quotation marks around the title, just as you would in the Works Cited list. If the title is already clear from the context of your sentence, you may omit it from the parenthetical citation.
- Example: The film powerfully portrays the anxieties of the Cold War (“Dr. Strangelove”).
- Example: Kubrick’s exploration of nuclear paranoia is evident throughout the film.
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Including Timestamps for Specific Scenes: When referencing a specific scene or moment, add a timestamp indicating the start of that scene. This is particularly important when analyzing specific cinematic techniques or dialogue exchanges. Separate the movie title from the timestamp with a comma. Use the format (hours:minutes:seconds).
- Example: The iconic line, “I’m walking here!” occurs relatively early in the film (“Midnight Cowboy,” 00:15:22).
- Example: The climactic battle scene showcases stunning visual effects (“Avengers: Endgame,” 02:48:15).
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Citing Indirectly: Even when paraphrasing a movie’s themes or plot points, a citation is still necessary. The method remains the same: movie title and timestamp, if applicable.
- Example: The film highlights the devastating impact of unchecked corporate power (“Erin Brockovich”).
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Long Titles: If the movie title is excessively long, use a shortened version in the in-text citation. Ensure that this shortened version is also used in the Works Cited entry to maintain consistency.
- Example: Full title: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” In-text citation: (“Lord of the Rings”).
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Ambiguous Titles: If you’re citing multiple movies with similar titles, provide enough distinguishing information in the in-text citation to avoid confusion. This might involve adding the director’s last name, particularly if they are listed in the Works Cited entry.
- Example: (“Hamlet” (Branagh)).
Creating the Works Cited Entry
The in-text citation directly corresponds to a more detailed entry in your Works Cited list. This entry provides comprehensive information about the movie and allows readers to find the source themselves. A typical Works Cited entry for a movie follows this format:
Title of Movie. Directed by [Director’s Name], [Production Company], [Year of Release].
For example:
Casablanca. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros., 1942.
Key Points for Works Cited Entries:
- Italicize the movie title.
- List the director, production company, and year of release.
- Omit the director’s title (e.g., “Directed by”).
FAQs: In-Text Citing Movies in MLA
Here are some common questions about in-text citing movies in MLA style, along with their answers:
Q1: What if the movie has multiple directors?
A: If a movie has more than one director, list all directors separated by commas, and then use “directed by.” Example: Gravity. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Jonás Cuarón, Warner Bros., 2013.
Q2: What if I’m analyzing the performance of a specific actor?
A: While you generally cite the movie title, you can include the actor’s name in your analysis to provide context. If you are specifically referencing the actor’s performance at a particular moment, include the timestamp with the movie title. Example: Hanks delivers a poignant performance as a stranded FedEx employee (“Cast Away,” 00:45:10).
Q3: Do I need to cite a movie if I’m just mentioning it in passing?
A: If you’re simply mentioning a movie without directly quoting, paraphrasing, or analyzing it, a formal citation isn’t usually necessary. However, if the movie is central to your argument or analysis, a citation is always recommended, even if it’s just a general reference.
Q4: How do I cite a movie that I watched online?
A: If you watched a movie online, add the streaming service or website after the production company and year. Example: Psycho. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Paramount Pictures, 1960. Netflix.
Q5: What if the movie is based on a book? Should I cite both?
A: If you’re primarily discussing the movie adaptation, cite the movie. If you are comparing the movie to the book, you should cite both. Include both a Works Cited entry for the movie and a Works Cited entry for the book.
Q6: How do I cite a scene that spans several minutes?
A: Provide the timestamp for the beginning of the scene. This is sufficient to direct the reader to the relevant section of the film.
Q7: Can I include the director’s name in the in-text citation?
A: While generally not necessary, you can include the director’s name in the in-text citation if it helps to distinguish between different versions of the same film (e.g., different productions of “Hamlet”). The standard format is to put the director’s last name in parentheses after the title. For example: (“Hamlet” (Branagh)).
Q8: What if the movie is a foreign film?
A: List the original title in the Works Cited entry, followed by the English translation (if applicable) in brackets. Use the original title in your in-text citations. Example: Amélie [Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain]. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, UGC, 2001.
Q9: Do I need to include the country of origin for a foreign film?
A: While not strictly required by MLA, including the country of origin in parentheses after the production company can provide helpful context for your readers.
Q10: What if I’m citing a documentary?
A: The citation method for documentaries is the same as for feature films. Include the title, director, production company, and year of release. Include timestamps in the in-text citation if you are referencing specific moments.
Q11: How do I cite bonus features or deleted scenes on a DVD or Blu-ray?
A: Treat the bonus feature or deleted scene as a separate work. In the Works Cited entry, include the title of the movie, the specific section you are citing (e.g., “Deleted Scenes”), and the medium (DVD or Blu-ray). The in-text citation would then reference the title of the movie and the specific section, along with a timestamp if necessary.
Q12: Is it okay to use abbreviations in the in-text citation?
A: While you can shorten very long movie titles, avoid using other abbreviations in in-text citations. Clarity and ease of understanding are paramount in MLA style.
Conclusion: Mastering MLA Movie Citations
By following these guidelines and understanding the core principles of MLA citation, you can accurately and effectively cite movies in your academic work. Remember to focus on providing clear and concise information that allows readers to easily locate the sources you have used. Pay close attention to the formatting requirements for both in-text citations and Works Cited entries to ensure your paper adheres to MLA standards. This meticulous approach will enhance the credibility of your research and demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity.