Brandon,
having read much about the movie while it was still in production (1996, early 1997), it was touted as being a romance set against the backdrop of the ship, but was encouraged by the still photographs of what little was released in that line, that the ship was being historically recreated with a precision not seen in other Titanic movies. However, I went in expecting to be entertained, not witness a documentary.
I ended up seeing the movie three times, the first being opening night, December 19, 1997. The theater was perhaps half full of the standard Friday night folk out seeing an epic movie on its opening night. Love story aside, I thought it was an impressive attempt at bringing the Titanic back to life on the big screen.
The second and third time I saw the movie when tagging along with friends was a different story. The place was packed wall to wall with weeping girls...I could have made a killing selling packets of tissues.