Quoting movie lines in APA style requires accurately representing the dialogue and properly attributing it to the film’s source. This involves including the speaker, the year of release, and, crucially, providing time stamps for precise context within the cinematic work.
Why Proper Citation Matters
In academic writing, attribution is paramount. Failing to correctly cite sources, whether they are scholarly articles, books, or even movies, constitutes plagiarism. When integrating film dialogue into your research, you’re drawing upon the creative work of screenwriters, actors, and directors. Acknowledging their contribution strengthens your argument and demonstrates academic integrity. Movie quotes can provide powerful illustrative examples, highlight themes, or support your analysis of cinematic techniques. But utilizing them effectively requires adhering to the strict guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) style.
The Anatomy of an APA Movie Citation
The core elements of citing a movie quote in APA are:
- Speaker’s Name (if known): If you know the character delivering the line, include their name before the quote.
- Film Title (Year): Provide the full title of the movie followed by the year of its release in parentheses.
- Timestamp: The most critical aspect is including the specific timestamp(s) indicating the start time of the quoted dialogue. If the quote spans multiple lines, indicate the start and end times (e.g., 00:45:10-00:45:15).
Here’s a general template:
(Speaker’s Name, Film Title, Year, timestamp)
Example:
(Vito Corleone, The Godfather, 1972, 00:22:30)
In-Text Citations: The Basics
The in-text citation seamlessly integrates into your writing. Here’s how it looks:
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Direct Quote: If you are directly quoting the movie, enclose the line in quotation marks.
“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse” (Vito Corleone, The Godfather, 1972, 00:22:30).
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Paraphrasing: If you are paraphrasing a scene or a line, you still need to cite the source.
The iconic line highlights Corleone’s strategy of persuasion through coercion (Vito Corleone, The Godfather, 1972, 00:22:30).
Handling Unknown Speakers
When the speaker of a quote is unknown or unimportant to your analysis, omit the speaker’s name and proceed directly with the film title, year, and timestamp.
( Film Title, Year, timestamp)
Block Quotes
For longer quotes (over 40 words), use a block quote. Indent the entire quote half an inch from the left margin, double-space it, and omit quotation marks. The citation follows the last sentence of the quote.
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
(Rhett Butler, Gone with the Wind, 1939, 03:39:10)
Reference List Entries: A More Detailed Approach
While in-text citations are crucial, you also need a corresponding entry in your reference list. The format for a movie reference entry differs slightly from other sources.
Basic Format:
Director, A. A. (Director). (Year). Title of motion picture [Motion picture]. Production Company.
Example:
Coppola, F. F. (Director). (1972). The Godfather [Motion picture]. Paramount Pictures.
Key Points:
- Director is Listed: Focus on the director as the primary creator.
- [Motion Picture] Designator: Include this label in brackets to clarify the source type.
- Production Company: Identify the studio responsible for the film’s production.
Citing Specific Scenes or Moments
Sometimes, you might want to reference a specific scene or aspect of the movie rather than the entire film. In this case, you’ll still cite the entire movie in the reference list, but your in-text citation will point to the specific timestamp of the scene.
Common Challenges and Considerations
Citing movies can present unique challenges. Here are some key considerations:
Determining the Director
In cases where multiple directors are credited, list the primary or credited director first. If you’re unsure, consult reputable film databases like IMDb or the American Film Institute Catalog.
Finding Accurate Timestamps
Precision is crucial. Use a reliable DVD, Blu-ray, or streaming service to obtain accurate timestamps. Be aware that different versions of the same movie might have slight variations in timing.
Adapting for Edited Collections
If you’re citing a movie scene included in an edited collection of films, follow the standard rules for citing chapters in edited books.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if the speaker of the movie line is unknown?
If you don’t know who says the line, simply omit the speaker’s name from the in-text citation. Example: (Casablanca, 1942, 01:02:15).
2. Do I need to include the screenwriter’s name in the citation?
APA focuses on the director as the primary creative force behind a film. The screenwriter’s name is generally not included in the reference list entry or in-text citation unless your analysis specifically focuses on their contribution.
3. How do I cite a movie I watched on a streaming service like Netflix?
The reference list entry remains the same, focusing on the director and production company. The in-text citation still includes the timestamp. The specific streaming platform is generally not included in the APA citation.
4. Can I use timestamps from YouTube videos?
While YouTube can be a resource, be cautious about the accuracy of timestamps, as editing or version differences can skew them. If you must use a YouTube video, cite it as a video source separately in your reference list, and clearly note the source in your in-text citation alongside the movie citation. However, prioritize using official versions when possible.
5. How should I handle foreign films with translated dialogue?
Cite the original film title and year. If you’re using a translated version, acknowledge the translation in your text. Example: As Rick says in Casablanca (1942, 01:02:15), “We’ll always have Paris” (translated).
6. What if the movie is based on a book? Do I need to cite the book as well?
If you are only quoting the movie, you only need to cite the movie. If you are comparing the movie to the book or drawing information from the book, then you need to cite both.
7. How do I cite a documentary film in APA style?
The format is the same as a regular motion picture. The director and production company are still the key elements in the reference list entry.
8. If a movie has multiple production companies, which one do I list?
List the primary production company, typically the one most prominently featured in the film’s credits.
9. Should I italicize the movie title in both the in-text citation and the reference list?
Yes, the title of the movie should be italicized in both the in-text citation and the reference list entry.
10. What if I’m discussing the movie generally but not quoting specific lines?
Even without quoting, you still need to cite the movie when you are discussing it. Use the standard reference entry and include an in-text citation with the director’s last name, year of release. Example: (Coppola, 1972).
11. Is it necessary to indicate the medium (e.g., DVD, Blu-ray) in the reference list?
APA 7th edition generally omits the specific medium (DVD, Blu-ray) unless it’s crucial for distinguishing between versions of the film. Focus on the core elements: director, year, title, and production company.
12. What if the movie is a remake of another film? How do I differentiate between them in my citation?
Cite each film separately with its respective director, year, and title. If your analysis compares the two, clearly differentiate them in your text. For example, “The 1931 version of Dracula directed by Tod Browning…” versus “The 1992 version of Dracula directed by Francis Ford Coppola…”
Final Cut: Mastering Movie Citations
Citing movies in APA style might seem daunting at first, but mastering these guidelines is crucial for academic integrity and clear communication. By paying close attention to detail and following the recommended formats, you can seamlessly integrate cinematic references into your research and elevate the credibility of your work. Remember to always prioritize accuracy and consistency in your citations, ensuring that your readers can easily locate and verify your sources. Now, go forth and cite!