Can I . . .

[Dancre]

Use a reference to the movie Hostel in my story or am I violating copyright laws?

kim

[Marlys]

Use a reference to the movie Hostel in my story or am I violating copyright laws?

kim
You can refer to it, or even have characters discuss it. But no direct quotes from the screenplay, or having its characters show up and interact with yours. And I'd keep references pretty brief--if you center your whole story around it, even without direct quotation, you might be setting yourself up for trouble.

[johnzakour]

To me the bigger question is: why would you?

[J. Weiland]

One of the few films I saw the trailer for and decided that it would be better for my mental health not to watch it, ever.

[katiemac]

One thing to consider about references like these is that they can date your story. Similarly, you can risk alienating readers who have never seen/heard of the reference, especially if it's supposed to be a crucial discussion subject.

Take this example: Say you have a character who's going to France and wants to stay in a hostel. Another says, "Didn't you ever see Hostel? You should stay in a hotel." You could also skirt around it with: "Didn't you ever see that movie?"

As long as the reference is understandable without the audience knowing the context, you're okay.

[David McAfee]

One of the few films I saw the trailer for and decided that it would be better for my mental health not to watch it, ever.

Ditto.

[Akuma]

I only enjoyed Hostel because the revenge scene at the end was one of the best I've ever seen, IMO.

But that's neither here nor there.

[Danger Jane]

You could also skirt around it with: "Didn't you ever see that movie?"

This is the way I'd go. I don't want to alienate readers by throwing in references to pop culture they might not get.

[Dancre]

LOL!!! I agree, J and David. It's a movie I never want to ever see. LOL!! Here's my paragraph were I use it.


The man opened a door and Ruarc shoved her into a dark corridor. “Please, don’t make me go,” she said. Screams of men and women bounced off the walls like a crazed symphony. Her heartbeat quickened. What could make people shriek that loud?

A stench like rotten eggs attacked her. Her aching stomach heaved and she vomited. Ruarc snickered and shoved her forward. “What’s wrong, can’t you handle the sweet smell of death?”

Death? Oh, God. Her mind whirled. The film Hostel flashed through her head. But that was just a movie.

Ruarc grabbed Imogene’s arm and stopped her before a wooden door, then slipped a large key into the keyhole. The metal hinges creaked as the door swung open and he threw her into the room. “Here’s company for you, Your Highness. Her name is Chuoha.”


This is the only place I use it. But I think it does date the story. mmm . . . maybe I'll have to think of something else? Maybe use Those gory horror shows.

Thanks to all.

[katiemac]

I'd say you're okay with simply

Death? Oh, God. Her mind whirled.

[Dancre]

I'd say you're okay with simply

That's what I originally had. Maybe I'll just use that instead.

[johnzakour]

For my 2 cents I agree. Mentioning the movie doesn't further the plot at all and may even confuse the people who didn't see the movie.

[Dancre]

I agree, john. Thanks to all who pitched in.

kim

[scribbler1382]

For my 2 cents I agree. Mentioning the movie doesn't further the plot at all and may even confuse the people who didn't see the movie.

Yeah. If you keep the reference, I'd probably change it to something like slasher flicks flashed through her head. But those were just movies. Weren't they?

[Dancre]

ooo!!! Marty, I like that one better than what I have. Oh, look, Marty, Chucky's behind you!! Steals Marty's quote and runs away. Oh, and thanks! she says as she's racing for the door.

kim