It is argued that the NFA gained a reputation for being uncooperative in this period, and Lindgren reportedly applied the Alizarin Red test (a disputed means of checking for the extent of nitrate decomposition) to films which were on loan from other institutions. Langlois in contrast had an eccentric, or non-existent, approach to record keeping, and the Cinémathèque suffered a nitrate fire on 10 July 1959.
Some argue that the National Film Archive (NFA) was perceived as uncooperative during this time period. Lindgren reportedly used an unreliable method called the Alizarin Red test to examine films lent from other institutions. In contrast, Langlois had a haphazard and disorganized approach to record-keeping, leading to a nitrate fire at the Cinémathèque on July 10, 1959.