WEEKEND FORECAST

TODAY

Eastwood connects

Clint Eastwood is a unique filmmaker in many ways, not the least of which is that he seems to have reached the height of his powers in his 70s. “Million Dollar Baby,” Eastwood’s 25th feature film as a director, is shaping up to be one of his best reviewed films, alongside Academy Award winner for best picture and best director, 1992’s “Unforgiven” (released when he was a mere 62), and last year’s “Mystic River,” which earned Oscars for actors Sean Penn and Tim Robbins. “Million Dollar Baby” stars Eastwood and Hilary Swank in the tale of a female boxer and a cantankerous trainer.

“Million Dollar Baby,” rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, thematic material and language, opened Wednesday in general release.

L.A.’s true crime

Crime fiction master James Ellroy (“My Dark Places,” “L.A. Confidential”) teamed up with Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton for a dark, unsettling, often brutal trip through the underbelly of post-Depression L.A. in “Scene of the Crime: Photographs from the LAPD Archive.” Including never-before-published crime scene and forensic photos from such sensational investigations as the Black Dahlia slaying and the Onion Field murder, the book also offers excerpts from police logs and original newspaper accounts of the crimes depicted. Ellroy and Bratton will sign copies of the book at this event.

James Ellroy and Chief William J. Bratton, Los Angeles Police Historical Society and Museum, 6045 York Blvd., L.A. 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Free. (323) 344-9445.

Out of his dream life

Inspired by a recurring dream, fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky created a series of surreal photographs featuring a model in couture floating along Parisian streets in a giant bubble. The series, “Paris 1963,” is on view along with “Photographs From Private Collections,” at Fahey/Klein Gallery. The privately owned images showcase works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Mapplethorpe, Man Ray and other renowned photographers.

“Melvin Sokolsky: Paris 1963” and “Photographs From Private Collections,” Fahey/Klein Gallery, 148 N. La Brea Ave., L.A. Opens today. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. (323) 934-2250.

* Ends Jan. 29.

FRIDAY

Back to the classics

After 10 years of being dark, one of the premier concert halls in the country, Ambassador Auditorium, reopens to classical music this weekend. The facility welcomed most of the luminaries of music from its opening in 1974 until it was closed to the public 20 years later for exclusive use by the property’s owner, the Worldwide Church of God. In the re-inaugural event, Jorge Mester will lead the Pasadena Symphony and the Los Angeles Master Chorale in two performances of Handel’s “Messiah.” The soloists will include soprano Elissa Johnston, mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzman, tenor Randall Bills and baritone Rodney Gilfry.

Pasadena Symphony and Los Angeles Master Chorale, Ambassador Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. 8 p.m. Friday. $75 and $105. (626) 584-8833 or www.pasadenasymphony.org

* Also 8 p.m. Saturday

SATURDAY

Man, myth, Marilyn

What better prelude to Christmas for the “Not-cracker” crowd than a blast of “Personal Jesus” from Marilyn Manson? The erstwhile scourge of the heartland has scored a big radio hit with his version of Depeche Mode’s theological treatise, stirring up some action in his recently quiet corner of the crypt. Although his star has dimmed, a Manson stronghold such as Los Angeles promises a night of fearsome fashion and wild abandon. At least in the audience.

Marilyn Manson, the Wiltern LG, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday. $42.50. (213) 380-5005.

* Also 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday

SATURDAY

Jazz for the holidays

Dianne Reeves’ last three CDs -- 2000’s “In the Moment: Live in Concert,” 2001’s “The Calling” and 2003’s “A Little Moonlight” -- have each won the Grammy for best jazz vocal album. So, what’s next? Her new album is “Christmas Time Is Here,” her first holiday music offering. Continuing in that same spirit, Reeves performs this weekend in a yuletide music program along with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

“Home for the Holidays” featuring Dianne Reeves and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, William Henry Curry conducting. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 2 p.m. Saturday. $36 to $89. (323) 850-2000.

* Also 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Adding some swing

If you’re hungry for more alternative versions of “The Nutcracker” (after Spectrum and Matthew Bourne), head for the Pasadena Civic, where the Lula Washington Dance Theatre is presenting the premiere of Washington’s one-act “The Nutcracker Swings,” accompanied by the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, John Clayton, conductor. Don’t expect the standard Tchaikovsky score; Washington is using the jazz arrangement by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Tai Jimenez, a leading soloist from Dance Theater of Harlem, dances Sugar Rum Cherry and other roles as a guest with Washington’s company. Jazz singers Renee Olstead and Barbara Morrison perform holiday songs earlier on the program.

“The Nutcracker Swings,” Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. 8 p.m. Saturday. $20 to $45. (213) 356-3500.

* Also 2 p.m. Sunday