Either on a shipwreck or prowling across a field, tigers are dangerous.  In Surprise! by Henri Rousseau, we can see the darkness of the tiger's face. Contradictory to the movie's portrayal of tigers. Once Richard Parker, the tiger, and Pi Patel are on the life raft floating away we see the tiger's natural instinct: either kill or be killed. Richard Parker cannot fight these natural instincts and becomes violent. Rousseau's portrayal of a tiger, resembles that of Richard Parker in the beginning of the movie. Relying on his natural instincts to thrive. The tiger is in its natural habitat, and looks terrifying for a pedestrian who may encounter this tiger on his pursuit. I know I wouldn't want to interact with Rousseau's tiger.

However, Richard Parker seems more nice, like Raja from Aladdin. I just want to be sitting in a menagerie stroking its multicolored fur, and discussing life issues with him.  Or you want to be on a boat with hundreds of zoo animals in hope that one has a nonviolent attachment to you. Now  Life of Pi is only rated PG, so there couldn't possibly be a freakishly vicious tiger waiting to seek revenge, it needs to be a more humanistic with its facial features.  

These portrayals of tigers show both sides, their dark and predator side, and their nicer side. Each art form brings different feelings along.  Rousseau's is more scary than Life of Pi's (even though Richard Parker tries to consume Pi Patel). They bring awareness of how to react to these creatures as well. So if anyone is ever stuck on a boat with a hungry tiger, Pi Patel has guidelines for you.