Referencing a movie in an essay using APA style involves creating a reference list entry and a corresponding in-text citation. The reference list entry provides complete publication details, allowing readers to locate the film, while the in-text citation briefly identifies the source within the body of your paper.
Mastering the Art of Cinematic Citation
Incorporating films into academic writing adds depth and richness to your analysis. However, accurately and consistently citing these visual texts is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving proper credit to the creators involved. APA style provides a specific framework for referencing movies, which, while seemingly complex at first glance, becomes straightforward with a clear understanding of its components.
The Reference List Entry: Bringing the Film to Life
The reference list entry is the cornerstone of your citation. It provides all the necessary information for readers to identify and potentially access the film. The basic format is as follows:
Last name, Initials. (Role). (Year). Title of movie (Original title if different). Production Company.
Let’s break down each component:
- Last name, Initials. (Role): Identify the individual most responsible for the film. This is typically the director. However, you can also cite the producer or writer, depending on the focus of your argument. Indicate their role in parentheses. For example: Spielberg, S. (Director).
- Year: This is the release year of the film, not the copyright year. For example: (1993).
- Title of movie: Provide the full title of the movie in italics. Capitalize the first word of the title and subtitle, and any proper nouns. For example: Jurassic Park.
- (Original title if different): If the film was released in a different language with a different title, include the original title in parentheses after the English title. For example: The Lives of Others ( Das Leben der Anderen).
- Production Company: State the name of the production company or companies involved. You can typically find this information in the film’s credits or on reputable online databases like IMDb.
Example:
Spielberg, S. (Director). (1993). Jurassic Park. Universal Pictures.
In-Text Citations: Guiding Readers to Your Source
The in-text citation provides a brief reference within the body of your paper, directing readers to the full reference list entry. The basic format for a film is:
(Last name, Year)
- Last name: Use the last name of the individual you identified in the reference list entry (usually the director).
- Year: Use the release year of the film.
Example:
(Spielberg, 1993)
When referencing a specific scene or quote, you might need to provide additional information. In APA 7th edition, providing a timestamp is not required for audio-visual works. You can describe the scene if necessary for clarity, but a timestamp isn’t a fundamental APA requirement.
Example:
Spielberg (1993) masterfully uses suspense to build tension in the opening scene.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding citing movies in APA style, designed to help you navigate any complexities:
FAQ 1: What if a film has multiple directors?
If a film has multiple directors, list them all in the reference list entry, separated by commas. For example: Scott, R., & Scott, T. (Directors). (1991). Thelma & Louise. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. In the in-text citation, use the last name of the first director listed: (Scott & Scott, 1991). If there are more than two directors, use the first director’s last name followed by “et al.” (Scott et al., 1991).
FAQ 2: How do I cite a movie I watched online (e.g., on Netflix or Amazon Prime)?
The core elements remain the same. Include the production company listed in the online stream. If the online platform adds extra information (e.g., series number), you can exclude it as it is not essential information to identify the movie.
FAQ 3: What if I want to cite a specific actor’s performance in a movie?
While you can’t create a separate reference list entry solely for the actor, you can mention the actor’s name and performance in your text. For example: “Harrison Ford delivers a compelling performance as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark (Spielberg, 1981).”
FAQ 4: How do I cite a documentary film?
Treat a documentary the same way you would treat a feature film. Identify the director (or producer) as the primary source, and follow the standard format for the reference list entry and in-text citation.
FAQ 5: Can I cite a film review in my essay?
Yes. Cite the film review as you would any other journal article or website. The reference list entry would include the author of the review, the publication year, the title of the review, the name of the journal or website, and the URL (if applicable).
FAQ 6: What if the film is a foreign film with a title that differs from the English translation?
Include the original title in parentheses after the English title in the reference list entry. For example: Amélie (Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain).
FAQ 7: What about citing a TV show episode?
For a TV show episode, the format is: Writer, W. W. (Writer), & Director, D. D. (Director). (Year). Title of episode. In Title of TV show. Production Company.
FAQ 8: What if I’m citing a commentary track from a DVD or Blu-ray?
Treat the commentary track as a separate contribution. You would cite the person providing the commentary (e.g., the director or actor) as the author, and the title of the commentary track.
FAQ 9: Is it always necessary to include the production company?
Yes, including the production company is an essential element of the APA style citation for films. It helps readers identify the specific version of the film you are referencing.
FAQ 10: How should I handle films that are part of a series?
Cite each film separately, treating them as individual works. There is no need to indicate that they are part of a series in the citation.
FAQ 11: What if the film doesn’t have a clearly defined director (e.g., an experimental film)?
In cases where a director is not clearly identified, you can cite the producer or another individual most responsible for the film’s creation. Make sure to specify their role in parentheses.
FAQ 12: Does APA require timestamps for direct quotes from a film?
APA 7th edition does not require timestamps for audio-visual works like films. It is acceptable to describe the scene or provide context to help the reader locate the quote or information. While adding a timestamp can be helpful, it is not mandatory. Focus on providing clear and accurate citations that allow readers to understand the source of your information.
By understanding these principles and addressing these common questions, you can confidently and accurately cite movies in your academic essays, adding a cinematic dimension to your scholarly work while adhering to the rigorous standards of APA style.