Here are some arguments for and against the ghost theory:
Arguments for:
* Mysterious arrival: Duncan arrives in town without any explanation of his origin, seemingly out of nowhere.
* Supernatural abilities: He possesses extraordinary skills, including marksmanship, fighting prowess, and the ability to sense danger.
* Unnatural resilience: He survives injuries that would be fatal for ordinary men.
* Unsettling presence: The film's atmosphere is often eerie and dreamlike, with hints of the supernatural.
* Thematic connection: The film explores themes of death, revenge, and the power of the past, which could align with a ghost story.
Arguments against:
* No direct confirmation: The film never explicitly states that Duncan is a ghost.
* Realistic portrayal: Duncan's actions and motivations are generally grounded in the film's reality.
* Possible explanations: His arrival could be explained by a hidden past or simply a skilled stranger passing through.
* The film's ambiguity: Clint Eastwood, the director and star of the film, has stated that he intended to leave the interpretation open.
Ultimately, whether or not you believe Marshal Jim Duncan is a ghost is up to your individual interpretation of the film. The ambiguity and lack of definitive answers are part of what makes "High Plains Drifter" such a compelling and thought-provoking movie.