Martin Scorsese needs a "connection" to his films.

Leonardo Dicaprio, who plays lead character US Marshal Teddy Daniels in the filmmaker's latest movie 'Shutter Island', claims the director is different to others.

He said: "One of the great appeals about Scorsese is that he feels connected to the characters and actors that he is putting up on screen.

"He needs to have that level and connection to the material and the people portraying these characters."

The 35-year-old star also suggested he and 67-year-old Scorsese work in a similar way.

He explained: "Scorsese loves to discuss everything at great length which is something I love to do too."

Recently 'Shutter Island' producer Brad Fischer admitted the crew were surprised when Leonardo signed up for the movie.

He sad: "You send the script, and you don't really expect to get a yes. Then we got a yes.

"You know, Leo is one of the greatest actors of his generation. I thought the character of Teddy Daniels was just something he could bring a lot to, and he hadn't really done something like that before."