Quoting a movie line in MLA format requires careful attention to detail to accurately credit the source and avoid plagiarism. To quote a line from a movie in MLA format, you generally provide the speaker’s name, followed by the line itself enclosed in quotation marks, and then the time stamp of the line within the film in parentheses.
Understanding the Fundamentals of MLA Citation for Film
Properly citing a film in MLA format ensures academic integrity and gives credit to the filmmakers and actors whose creative work you’re referencing. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides a specific style for citing films, including guidelines for referencing specific lines of dialogue. This guide offers a comprehensive overview, providing clarity on the essential components of quoting film dialogue effectively.
Quoting Movie Lines: The Basic Template
The foundational structure for quoting a movie line is as follows:
Character’s Name. “Quote.” (Time Stamp).
Let’s break down each component:
- Character’s Name: Identify the character speaking the line. If the character’s name is obvious from the context, you can omit it. If not, provide the character’s name as it appears in the film’s credits or as generally known.
- Quote: The exact words spoken by the character. Enclose the quote in double quotation marks. Ensure you transcribe the line accurately. Use ellipses (…) to indicate omitted words within the quote and brackets ([ ]) to indicate added words for clarity.
- Time Stamp: The specific point in the film where the line is spoken. Provide the time stamp in hours, minutes, and seconds (e.g., 00:32:15). This allows readers to easily locate the quote within the film.
Example:
Rick Blaine. “Here’s looking at you, kid.” (00:32:15).
Integrating Quotes Seamlessly
The placement of the quote within your text is crucial for readability. Integrate the quote smoothly into your sentence. You can introduce the quote with a signal phrase, such as “As Rick Blaine famously says,” or incorporate it directly into your sentence structure.
Example:
As Rick Blaine famously says, “Here’s looking at you, kid” (00:32:15) is a line that resonates with audiences even today.
Alternatively:
The film explores themes of sacrifice, exemplified by Rick Blaine’s declaration, “Here’s looking at you, kid” (00:32:15), which highlights his love and selflessness.
Handling Longer Quotes
If the quote is longer than four lines, format it as a block quote. Indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin, and omit the quotation marks. The time stamp is placed after the final period, in parentheses.
Example:
In The Godfather, Vito Corleone lays out his philosophy on power:
I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse. I don’t mean hold a gun to his head. I mean I’m gonna offer him something so valuable and so important that he can’t refuse. This is the only way we can make sure our family is protected. (00:45:20).
The Works Cited Entry: Citing the Entire Film
In addition to in-text citations, you need to include a full citation for the film in your Works Cited list. The basic format is:
Title of the Film. Directed by Director’s Name, Production Company, Year of Release.
Example:
Casablanca. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros., 1942.
Key Components of the Works Cited Entry
- Title of the Film: Italicize the full title of the film.
- Directed by: Include the director’s name, preceded by “Directed by.”
- Production Company: List the major production company or distributor.
- Year of Release: Provide the year the film was released.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Movie Line Citations
Here are 12 frequently asked questions about quoting movie lines in MLA format to further enhance your understanding:
FAQ 1: What if the character’s name isn’t explicitly stated?
If the character’s name isn’t explicitly stated, but it’s clear from the context who is speaking, you can use a brief description within square brackets, like “[Main character]” or “[Villain]”. If it’s impossible to identify the speaker with certainty, consider paraphrasing or avoiding the direct quote.
FAQ 2: What if there are multiple characters speaking in quick succession?
When multiple characters speak rapidly, use their names before each line, followed by the quoted text and time stamp.
FAQ 3: How do I handle quotes from a film script instead of the actual movie?
If quoting from a published film script, cite it as you would any other book, including the author (screenwriter), title of the script, publisher, and publication year. You don’t need a time stamp in this case.
FAQ 4: What if the movie is a foreign film with subtitles? Should I cite the original language or the English translation?
Cite the English translation you are using. If you are fluent in the original language and providing your own translation, indicate that the translation is yours.
FAQ 5: Is it necessary to include the full film details in the Works Cited if I only quote one line?
Yes, even if you only quote a single line, you must include a full entry for the film in your Works Cited list. This provides readers with the complete source information.
FAQ 6: How should I format the time stamp if the movie is only available on streaming services?
The format of the time stamp remains the same, regardless of the medium (DVD, streaming, etc.). Use hours, minutes, and seconds (e.g., 01:15:22).
FAQ 7: What if the character’s name is unusually long or complex?
Use a shortened version of the character’s name if it’s consistently used throughout the film and easily recognizable. Make sure the first time you mention the character, you provide their full name, and then use the shortened version subsequently.
FAQ 8: Can I use a scene number instead of a time stamp?
While scene numbers are sometimes included in scripts, MLA prefers time stamps. If no time stamp is available, and a scene number is provided consistently in a published script, you may use it, but time stamps are preferred.
FAQ 9: How do I cite a quote from a documentary film?
The same principles apply to documentary films. Identify the speaker, the quote, and the time stamp. The Works Cited entry is formatted similarly to a fictional film.
FAQ 10: What if I’m analyzing the film’s visual elements and not the dialogue?
If you’re analyzing visual elements, you don’t need to quote lines. Instead, describe the visual elements in your own words and provide the time stamp where the scene occurs. In your Works Cited entry, you can mention that you are analyzing the visual elements.
FAQ 11: How should I handle quoting lines from an animated film?
Treat animated films the same as live-action films. Identify the character (voice actor), the quote, and the time stamp.
FAQ 12: Where can I find definitive MLA guidelines for citing films?
Refer to the official MLA Handbook. It provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on MLA citation.
Mastering Movie Line Citations: A Recap
Quoting movie lines effectively enhances your arguments and demonstrates your research. Remember to accurately identify the speaker, transcribe the quote, provide the time stamp, and include a full citation in your Works Cited list. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and ethically incorporate film dialogue into your academic writing.