Rich (Robert Carradine), a writer in NYC, learns that he has AIDS. He is frustrated, and alternates between "it doesn't get any better than this" and a raging anger about his own fears and the prejudiced reactions of others to his condition. Recently he broke up with his long-time lover Saul (Jonathan Hadary), but they reconcile because Rich needs emotional support and sanctuary. Saul is the only person who loves him enough to argue with him when he doesn't appear to love himself. Characters are portrayed realistically, and not white-washed. The bar scenes are particularly funny in their self-consciousness, and we get the gallows humour of the gay men. Rich's brother (Alan Scarfe) visits him. There is no gay moral superiority and we are touched by the brother's efforts to empathise with someone he does not want to lose. Joanna Miles as Rich's actress friend Lily is warm but has little to do except introduce him to her cousin Chet (Doug Annear). Lily's farewell to Rich in the hospital is reminiscent of the way gay men abandon their infected partners. Coleen Dewhurst as the hospice worker brightens things up with her humor, sensible attitude, and comments.
"As Is" does not preach, but suffers from staginess. It is not rated, but is adult in nature, with some coarse language. This made for cable TV movie is a version of the stage play by William S. Hoffman, adapted by the author. The theatrical origins of the play are still evident in this film. Studio sets reveal how underbudgeted the project is, but it is the eloquence of Hoffman's dialogue that rises above it all. The depth of the film comes from the observed detail of gay lifestyle. Peter Matz composed the incidental music. Michael Lindsay-Hogg directed.
