Integrating Evidence from Films

Assignments that require you to write about a film often ask you to incorporate evidence from the movie.* You can use the three strategies described below to integrate evidence from movies into your writing.

Summaries

It is best to summarize when information from the movie does not have to be provided in detail. For instance, you may need to provide a plot summary for readers who are unfamiliar with the film. You can also summarize critical background information about the movie such as the names of actors and the film’s original release date. While summarizing is useful for condensing information, avoid simply re-telling the plot of the movie; instead, use summaries to support your review or analysis.

Example

After Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner, she embarks on a journey to become a lawyer, rebelling against sexist stereotypes and establishing her independence in the process (Legally Blonde).

Paraphrases

Paraphrasing is useful for stating information in a clear and concise manner without changing its original meaning. When it comes to movies, you might paraphrase lengthy dialogue that includes a character’s monologue, a narrator’s commentary, or a conversation between characters. Paraphrasing also helps you balance information from the film with your own words or analysis. You can paraphrase key details from the movie in one or two sentences to emphasize important points for your readers. As a reminder, whenever you reference a scene from a film, include the runtime or time stamp as a part of your parenthetical citation.

Example

During her cross examination of Chutney Windham, Elle explains how getting one’s freshly permed hair wet ruins the curls, poking holes in Chutney’s story and securing a conviction for the murder of Joseph Windham (Legally Blonde 01:24:10-01:26:55).

Quotations

Quotations are one of the most common ways to integrate information from a film. A quote from a character or narrator serves as concrete evidence to back up your claims about a movie. Incorporate quotations into your writing using a signal phrase. A signal phrase sets up the speaker whom you are quoting as well as any additional context needed to understand the quote. Because quotes are taken directly from the movie, the runtime or time stamp for the scene is included in the parenthetical citation.

Example

By the end of the movie, Elle recognizes her worth and potential as she tells Warner, “[If] I’m going to be a partner in a law firm by the time I’m 30, I need a boyfriend who’s not such a complete bonehead” (Legally Blonde 01:28:15-01:28:24).

*Note: Always consult your instructor’s assignment instructions for specific information regarding what citation style to use and what type of evidence is expected.

Work Consulted

Legally Blonde. Directed by Robert Luketic, performances by Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, and Selma

            Blair, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 2001.