The actor takes on the role of Count Vronsky in the new movie, which also stars Keira Knightley and Jude Law.
Speaking to the Daily Mail the actor admitted that it wasn't just a straight forward period movie: "That would be boring. I'm much happier working with a director who's passionate about something.
"Joe had my attention because of his passion. If a director has lost your attention, an actor will play it safe."
Anna Karenina is a big screen adaptation of the Leo Tolstoy novel and it is a movie that is already surrounded in early Oscar whispers.
It is set to be a busy autumn for the actor as he will also be starring in Oliver Stone's latest movie Savages.
Anna Karenina is released 7th September
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