Stellan Skarsgard tricked Paul Bettany into appearing in 'Dogville'.

The 40-year-old actor agreed to appear in Lard von Trier's movie after his friend told him being on set was like a constant party - only for Paul to have a "hideous experience" as it was nothing like his pal had claimed.

Paul said: "It was a hideous experience. I did it because Stellan f***ing Skarsgard fibbed to me. He said, 'You gotta turn up, it'll be fantastic, it's like a party all the time.'

"And after three weeks and not one bit of fun, I said, 'Stellan, what were you talking about?' And he said, 'Man, I was making it up - I just couldn't face doing it without you.' "

Paul found working on the movie particularly tough because he felt like the director's "puppet" as he was allowed no input into the film.

He explained: "I found it a particularly unsatisfying experience because Lars has no interest in you being any part of the cerebral process with him. You're absolutely his puppet.

"But I don't want to be too down on Lars. He is extraordinary and he is a sensation."