I agree that Gravity is another exception. I’m not saying CGI is always bad. But you’ll never convince me that Alien, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark, etc would look better with CGI. Not a chance. The real sets, stunts, explosions, and snakes (in the case of Raiders), not to mention the incredible models, design, and breathtaking practical effects of Alien and Close Encounters put them on another level entirely.

In 2002, in a rare instance of poor judgement, Spielberg rereleased a “special edition” of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. It controversially featured the digital removal of guns, and also egregious CGI facial redos in certain close ups of E.T. that ruined Carlo Rambaldi’s sublime puppet work. It looked dreadful in comparison. Thank God Spielberg recanted and has admitted this was a mistake. He’s since done all he can to remove the 2002 version from circulation. Good for him.

I see no reason to choose CGI to “get with the times”. That’s not a valid artistic reason and good for Nolan for being obstinate. Again, there can be good reasons to go the CGI route, but it shouldn’t be a just-because default.