Quoting a film quoted in an essay requires meticulous attribution to both the original film and the secondary source where you encountered the quotation, demanding precision and adherence to established citation styles. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved, ensuring academic integrity and enhancing the credibility of your work.
Understanding the Layers of Citation
When a film quote appears not directly from your viewing of the movie, but rather within a separate source (a book, article, website, etc.), you’re dealing with an indirect source, also known as a secondary source. Properly acknowledging both the film and the secondary source is paramount. Failure to do so risks plagiarism and weakens the scholarly foundation of your argument. The core principle is this: give credit where credit is due, tracing the quotation back to its original cinematic origin while simultaneously acknowledging the source that brought it to your attention.
Why Proper Citation Matters
Accuracy in citation isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism; it’s about scholarly responsibility. It allows readers to:
- Verify your information: Readers can trace the quote back to the original film and the source where you found it.
- Understand your context: Seeing where you found the quote helps readers understand your interpretation of the film.
- Appreciate your research: Proper citation demonstrates the depth and breadth of your research process.
Mastering the “Cited in” Method
The most common and accepted method for citing a film quote found within another source is the “cited in” format. This method explicitly acknowledges that you are not directly quoting the film itself, but rather are retrieving the quote from a secondary source. The exact formatting will vary slightly depending on the citation style you’re using (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.), but the underlying principle remains the same.
MLA Style Example
In MLA (Modern Language Association) style, the in-text citation would typically look like this:
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” (Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, cited in Smith 45).
The corresponding entry in your Works Cited page would only list the Smith source, as you are relying on Smith’s work and haven’t directly consulted Gone with the Wind. The Works Cited entry would look something like this:
Smith, John. The Golden Age of Hollywood. Academic Press, 2023.
APA Style Example
In APA (American Psychological Association) style, the in-text citation would look like this:
Rhett Butler’s famous line, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” (Gone with the Wind, 1939, cited in Smith, 2023, p. 45), remains one of the most recognizable quotes in cinematic history.
The reference list entry would, again, only include the Smith source:
Smith, J. (2023). The golden age of Hollywood. Academic Press.
Chicago Style Example
Chicago style offers two primary systems: Notes and Bibliography and Author-Date. In the Notes and Bibliography system, the footnote would resemble:
- Rhett Butler, Gone with the Wind (1939), cited in John Smith, The Golden Age of Hollywood (Academic Press, 2023), 45.
In the Bibliography, only the Smith book is listed.
In the Author-Date system, the in-text citation is similar to APA:
( Gone with the Wind 1939, cited in Smith 2023, 45)
And, as with the other styles, only Smith’s work is listed in the References section.
Alternative Phrasing
While “cited in” is the most common phrasing, you can use alternatives like “quoted in” or “as cited in,” depending on the context and the specific requirements of your style guide. The key is to be clear about your source. For instance:
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” (Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, as quoted in Smith 45).
Addressing Potential Issues
Sometimes, finding the original source of a film quote can be challenging. What if the secondary source doesn’t explicitly state the film? In such cases, you have a few options:
- Thorough Research: Conduct online research using keywords from the quote to identify the film.
- Indicate Uncertainty: If you’re unable to definitively identify the film, acknowledge the uncertainty in your citation. For example: “Quote (Source A, cited in Smith 45; film unknown).”
- Omit the Quote: If you can’t verify the accuracy or source of the quote, it’s often best to omit it altogether to avoid potential errors.
FAQs: Deep Dive into Film Quotation
Here are twelve frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of quoting a film quoted in an essay:
FAQ 1: What if the secondary source misattributes the quote to the wrong film?
If you discover the secondary source has misattributed the quote, correct the attribution in your essay but clearly state that the original source was incorrect. For instance: “The quote, ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,’ is often attributed to Casablanca, but is actually from Gone with the Wind (Smith, although citing Casablanca, is incorrect).”
FAQ 2: Can I use the “cited in” method even if I have seen the film?
Yes, you can, but it’s generally discouraged. If you’ve seen the film, cite the film directly. Using “cited in” implies you haven’t personally verified the quote, which is misleading if you have. Watch the movie and get a timestamp to be more accurate.
FAQ 3: What if the secondary source only provides a vague reference to the film?
If the secondary source only provides a vague reference, such as mentioning the film’s title but not the characters or year, do your best to locate the specific scene and character delivering the line. If you can’t find the information to support the quote, refrain from using the quote to protect your integrity.
FAQ 4: How do I cite a film quoted in an essay when the secondary source is a website?
The general principles remain the same. Use the “cited in” format, referencing the website’s author, title, and URL. Ensure your citation style is appropriate for online sources.
FAQ 5: What if the quote is slightly different in the secondary source than in the original film?
Note the discrepancy in your essay. For example: “Smith quotes the line as ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t care,’ but the film actually states, ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.'” Then, cite the film and Smith using the “cited in” format.
FAQ 6: Does the length of the film quote affect the citation method?
The length of the quote doesn’t inherently change the citation method. Whether it’s a short line or a longer passage, use the “cited in” format if you’re quoting from a secondary source. For longer quotes, consider using a block quote format.
FAQ 7: What if the secondary source doesn’t provide a page number for the quote?
If the secondary source doesn’t provide a page number, you can omit it from the in-text citation or use other locators such as a chapter number (if applicable).
FAQ 8: How do I handle a situation where multiple secondary sources quote the same film?
Choose the secondary source that best supports your argument and cite that source using the “cited in” method. You don’t need to cite every source that quotes the film.
FAQ 9: What if the secondary source translated the film quote from another language?
Acknowledge the translation in your citation. For example: “Quote (Film Title, translated and cited in Smith 45).” If possible, consult an authorized version of the movie with subtitles.
FAQ 10: Is it acceptable to re-watch the film after finding the quote in a secondary source and then cite the film directly?
Yes, this is preferable, as it allows you to verify the quote and cite the original source directly. However, you must still acknowledge that you initially encountered the quote in the secondary source. Acknowledge that the secondary source sparked your interest in finding the quote in the original movie.
FAQ 11: What are the consequences of improperly citing a film quote found in a secondary source?
Improper citation can lead to accusations of plagiarism, which can have serious academic consequences, including failing grades or expulsion. It can also damage your credibility as a scholar.
FAQ 12: Where can I find reliable style guides for citation formats?
Consult official style guides such as the MLA Handbook, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, and The Chicago Manual of Style. University writing centers and online resources like Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) are also valuable resources.
By understanding these principles and addressing these common questions, you can confidently and accurately cite film quotes found in secondary sources, enriching your essays with cinematic wisdom while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity.