But I don't think the film is meant to be taken on a literal level.

On a literal level, Nick had done this to her.

Nor is this a one-person show on a literal level.

Yet, at a less literal level, she was right.

For example, on the first reading, maybe only the literal level makes sense.

On a literal level, Dante's success or failure won't affect anyone.

The space wasn't quite as appropriate on a literal level.

On the most literal level, this doesn't add up.

Therefore, cooperation is still taking place, but no longer on the literal level.

It was also expressing, on the most literal level, my determination to survive.