Jude Law is "fascinated by love".

The British actor explained why he was drawn to the script of his latest movie Anna Karenina. In the bold and epic love story Keira Knightley plays the title role, while Jude portrays her husband Alexei Karenin.

"Love in all its forms fascinates me," Jude told BBC Radio One's Newsbeat. "Like everyone else I've been in and through the battle field, and through the calm and rough sea of being in and out of love. We hope for it and we hate it."

Jude revealed that working on the film helped him to "purge" certain elements of his personal life.

The 39-year-old says the movie also appealed to him because it touches on other themes that are close to his heart.

"There's so much more, not just love. There's elements to the story whether its scandal, judgement or gossip. It's all familiar with the modern world," Jude continued. "One of the benefits in my work is you purge some of your demons. You get to go out and rid yourself of whatever it is you're holding onto."