Ben Coccio Circling Indie Noir ‘Downers Grove’

Ben Coccio is in talks to direct the independent feature film, “Downers Grove." Bret Easton Ellis wrote the screenplay

Ben Coccio is in talks to direct the independent feature film, “Downers Grove,” which follows an American high-school senior who must escape a curse of death, a person familiar with the project has told TheWrap.

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Coccio has submitted an outline on the project, which is in the process of being revamped.

As previously announced, the film is being financed by Myriad Pictures, and produced by Oren Segal, Jason Dubin and Chiara Trento.

Bret Easton Ellis, pictured, wrote the screenplay, which is based on Michael Hornburg’s book of the same name.

Coccio recently co-wrote the screenplay for “The Place Beyond the Pines,” which was a hit at the Toronto International Film Festival, and will be released by Focus Features.

Coccio is also writing the screenplay for “Fordlandia.” Coccio has previously directed three films, including “Zero Day” and, most recently “The Beginner.”

“Downers Grove” was first announced by Myriad Pictures in 2010, when Nelson McCormick (“Prom Night”) was set to direct. Rebecca De Mornay is attached to the film.

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