When Danny Boyle was asked to produce the opening ceremony of the London Olympics, he thought about his father.

My dad was a mad Olympics fan. I mean seriously lunatic, the acclaimed British film director told reporters Friday afternoon. Boyle recalled how his father, Frank, sat up late into the night, watching Games coverage from Mexico and other far off places. He introduced me to the Olympics, he said adding that Frank would have turned 91 Friday. Sadly he died about 18 months ago, he added. He didnt quite make it.

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For Boyle the opening ceremonies represent a personal take on Britain, its history, culture and contributions to the world. And it is a varied rendition, covering everything from Shakespeare and the industrial revolution to Peter Pan, James Bond, pop music and even a tribute to the National Health Service.

We are almost unique in having universal health care, he explained.

Its very near and deer to peoples hearts.

Boyle said he created the show he wanted and didnt cater to the whims of politicians or organizers. You do it for yourselves, he said noting that he started planning the performance with three other people two years ago. I did it because Ive never done anything like this before. You want to keep testing yourself.

The program is certainly ambitious. It includes 10 separate scenes, 40 farm animals, 7,500 volunteer performers and 70,00 pixels for each member of the audience to wave and create special effects. Paul McCartney will sing Hey Jude, JK Rowling will read from Peter Pan and actor Rowan Atkinson will offer a skit. Theres also appearances by Mary Poppins, Cruella de Vil and Captain Hook.

Boyle said he knows not everyone will enjoy it and some will find parts genuinely baffling. He also had to cut out one sequence involving a bicycle routine because the show ran too long. And he had dust ups with Olympic organizers over camera positions and other artistic issues.

But he said his intention over all was to create a portrait of Britain as a proud, but modest country.

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Opening ceremony represent Boyle’s personal take on Britain