It is one large SVG file.. cant figure out how to compress with gzip. Any other ideas?

Hi,
I think that I have figured that out for now... however, I have another issue. I have download some free vector images online, but it seems as though they are too big for Inkscape to open (25 mb) ... .any ideas?

How do I remove the paths?
I have tried to delete certain nodes, but it deletes parts of the raster image, which I want to keep.

I am trying to create a cut out of a vector, but when I click on it, it selects all off vector points, including the persons face.
When I try to vector the persons face it cuts out the eyes, nose, etc....

How do I just cut out the edge?
Any help would be appreciated, thx