Behind the scenes of 'Inside Job': Jeffrey and Christina Lurie

JEFFREY AND Christina Lurie may win an Oscar before they win a Super Bowl.

That's not their priority.

"I'd rather win a Super Bowl," Jeffrey said.

"So would I," Christina seconded.

It's just a fact, given the way the Eagles played against the Titans, and given the way the team owners' movie "Inside Job" is playing with critics and audiences around the world.

The Luries co-financed and executive-produced "Job," the new Charles Ferguson documentary about the financial crisis. It's polling an impressive 93 percent on rottentomatoes.com, putting it on a short list of probable Oscar nominees (Ferguson was nominated for the Iraq war documentary "No End In Sight").

The movie has impressed audiences at film festivals, and though it examines the roots of the banking/economic crises that blew up three years ago, the movie has become shockingly timely, given the mounting foreclosure crisis.

"We're excited," allowed the famously reserved Christina. "We're thrilled that Charles is getting this praise. And we're just really happy with how the picture came out. As it starts to be shown around the world, it's getting great response."

It's too early to start awards prognosticating, especially in the notoriously quirky documentary category, but Jeffrey Lurie could not resist a bit of speculation.

"If they just pick the catchiest title, I guess "Waiting for 'Superman' "would win. And that's a good movie, too," he said.

Christina curbed his enthusiasm, with the skill of politician managing expectations.

"But we're not in it for that. Whatever happens, happens."

The Luries are not in it for the money, either. "Inside Job" is financed through a charitable foundation they formed to fund documentaries. The foundation's goal is to bankroll movies that examine tough, global issues in a way that's illuminating and also fair. The financial meltdown is a case in point.

"We're very careful about who we team up with, especially when dealing with such a complicated subject," she said. "I know there were a lot of books on the financial crisis, from 'Too Big Too Fail' on down, but in terms of filmmaking, it hadn't really been done. The subject needed someone who was very smart, who would do the research, take the necessary time."

She and Jeffrey were big fans of "No End In Sight" and spent several hours with Ferguson, gauging his willingness to be evenhanded, open-minded.

"We didn't want something partisan," Jeffrey said.

All agreed a great deal of homework and legwork were required. With financing in place (the Luries' foundation put up roughly half the $2 million budget), Ferguson went to work.

Often with Christina's hands-on assistance. Ferguson spent the better part of a year researching the issues, talking with sources - some of whom were suggested and arranged by Christina.

"She introduced me to several people who were instrumental in helping me understand the factors involved. This stuff isn't easy, and her input was a big help," said Ferguson.

Helping directors like Ferguson is one way Christina has rededicated herself to movies now that the Luries' other project - the Eagles - has become well-established.

"Once the stadium was up and running, once Novacare was up and running, I felt I could split my time between the two. And I didn't want to go back to Hollywood, but to the [independent film] world," she said.

Christina also produces feature dramas ("Adam," "Never Forever," "Broken English"), often by first-time filmmakers who need a break. She's not trying to hit box-office home runs. She's looking to help promising talent, to explore offbeat subject matter.

It's not that much different from what she's trying to do with documentaries - to tell the stories that others aren't telling. Upcoming projects include an examination of hunger in America, and natural resource exploitation in Africa.

"We put money into 'Inside Job' and if there are profits, they just go back into the foundation for the next project, for another documentary," Jeffrey said. "So it's a nice sort of revolving door."