The Archive

The Archive Analysis

In this short documentary director Saun Dunne provides the viewer with an intimate insight into the weird and wonderful world of Paul Mawhinney; owner of the worlds largest record collection. At over one million records experts estimate the collection's worth to be of more than 50 million dollars.

The film provides a touching depiction of a man's struggle to maintain his business in an era that's relentlessly forcing its way into the new technological age. Dunne uses intimate interviews, captured in a range of close to medium shots, with the films focal character to tug on our heart strings. He confides the highs and lows of his collection from start to finish, first presenting himself as an eccentric, then as a troubled enthusiast, genuinely upset by the potential loss of his beloved archive. Near the films final act we discover that the collection, worth 50 million dollars is up for sale for a meagre three million. The film therefore transgresses from an in depth look into the life of Paul Mawhinney, to an allegory of the changing times and the massive detrimental effect that the electronic age has on the record industry.

Particularly effective is the director's decision to never leave the archive and thus never distract the viewer from the films touching message. This combined with the choice to situate every interview within Mawhinney's office, ensure that the archive is a coherent, intelligent work of non-fiction. I intend to take inspiration from Dunne's compositions during the film's interviews as I feel the use of mid-shots with minimal empty space provide a pleasing aesthetic that suits the documentary's mood.