Andrew Garfield Describes Playing a World War II Soldier in 'Hacksaw Ridge'

— -- Andrew Garfield, famously known for his role as the web-slinging superhero in "The Amazing Spider-Man," shows a different side to his on-screen abilities in Mel Gibson's upcoming World War II drama "Hacksaw Ridge."

The film tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a World War II soldier from the South played by Garfield, a conscientious objector who went on to receive the Medal of Honor without ever firing a gun.

Garfield, 33, explained in an interview with ABC News' Nick Watt that aired today on "Good Morning America" that the war film is about a pacifist who says he wants to help, but can only do it in his own way -- through nonviolence.

"I'm not a conscientious objector. I'm a conscientious cooperator," Garfield explained of his character.

Doss was a medic who went back onto the battlefield after dark to rescue his own as well as enemy soldiers.

Garfield joked that the only unrealistic part of this film was his character's perfectly coiffed hair after removing his helmet.

"Well, you know what? What can I do about that?" he said laughing. "He's wearing a helmet and he's got a thick head of hair. All that's gonna happen is the hair's gonna be flattened."

Garfield said was impressed by Mel Gibson, who returned to the director's chair for "Hacksaw Ridge" after 10 years.

"[He] has it all in his head. That's one part of his brilliance," Garfield said. "It's a mystery how he did it because he had half the money and half the shooting dates that he had for 'Braveheart,' but I don't think you can tell."

Between Gibson's direction and Garfield's performance, Oscar buzz is already surrounding the movie.

Garfield said he hopes the attention draws people to see the movie.

"Someone out there might who may not have seen the film, might go, 'Oh, people are using that word associated with the film. Maybe I'll go and see it,'" he said. "And then that person might go in and have their lives changed by Desmond Doss."