Russell Crowe's attempt at realism in his role as a neo-Nazi in Australian film Romper Stomper, became too real for comfort after he was arrested as an alleged agitator.

Crowe insisted on looking his character of thuggish Hando throughout the filming of the 1992 film, even though he found the character repulsive. However his cruel kinheaded look and his army-type boots held the unwanted attention of local cops in Melbourne.

"Two constables came out and grabbed me and said, 'Who do you think you are?' and all that sort of stuff. I said, 'Mate, I'll tell you exactly who we are - we're a group of actors, and we're doing a movie where we're playing neo-Nazi skinheads.'", Femalefirst quoted Crowe as recalling.

"And this sergeant of police in south Melbourne says, 'Is that right? Right. Well I hope you're a method actor, son, because you're really going to enjoy this. Put him in the f**king cell.'

At the time, I was really kind of angry, but over time you cannot help but laugh at that. That's funny as hell."