Transformation

Christian Bale is all about the work. Ever since he made his acting debut in his early teens, he has been transforming his appearance to suit his roles—from chiseling his physique for American Psycho to losing a rumored sixty pounds for The Machinist. This year, the British actor takes his final bow as Batman in The Dark Knight Rises, rubber suit and all.

The 14-year-old took a critically acclaimed turn in Steven Spielberg's Empire of the Sun.