Actors Keira Knightley (L) and Jude Law pose for photographers as they arrive for the world premiere of "Anna Karenina" at the Odeon Leicester Square in central London September 4, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Related photos: 'Anna Karenina' premieres in London

Keira Knightley and Jude Law swept along a red carpet, complete with chandeliers, at the world premiere of their new movie "Anna Karenina".

The London event Tuesday was slightly less theatrical than the film itself - an interpretation of Leo Tolstoy's epic love story, set in 19th century Russia.

Knightley portrays the title role, the tragic heroine torn between reputation and romance.

Law plays her jilted husband, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the man she falls for.

Knightley says one daunting aspect of playing Anna was "trying not to simplify her at all and actually go with all the complexities."

"Anna Karenina", directed by Joe Wright, opens in the UK on Friday and hits the US this November.